Senior Associate (m/f/d), Private Equity - Carve-out & Merger Integration

Alvarez & Marsal; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm known for its action‑oriented, PE‑focused performance improvement work. The PEPI practice advises on complex carve‑outs and mergers, delivering step‑change operational results across Europe.

You will lead international transformation programs, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and drive value through KPI‑driven initiatives in PE contexts. Fluency in German and English is required, with opportunities for growth in a high‑impact environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• Extensive experience delivering buy‑side and sell‑side carve‑out services in PE contexts.
• Recent experience leading international operational change/transformation programs.
• Proven track record directing teams and delivering pre/post‑deal initiatives in PE contexts.
• Strong understanding of the private equity lifecycle, value creation levers, and relevant networks.
• Expertise in operational KPIs, balanced scorecards, continuous improvement, and benefits tracking.
• Fluency in German and English; additional European languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage rapid diagnostics using analytical and qualitative insights to identify levers that transform performance in PE‑backed businesses.
• Develop and execute transformation plans tightly linked to EBITDA and working capital improvement.
• Lead carve‑out projects including perimeter definition, complexity assessment, stranded cost mitigation, and risk/control management.
• Oversee post‑acquisition carve‑out implementation: Day‑1 readiness, TSA design and management, stand‑up of standalone functions, and TSA exit.
• Translate ODD findings into executable value‑creation initiatives delivering growth, cost, and cash quick wins.
• Drive 100‑day planning, merger integration management, synergy tracking, and governance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, Procurement, and Supply Chain to ensure aligned delivery and benefits realization.
• Support business development activities, including proposal development and thought leadership.

Skills

Carve-out delivery

International programs

PE lifecycle

KPIs & analytics

Bilingual DE/EN

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

PMO tools

Governance

Change management

Job description

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with entrepreneurial, action and results‑oriented professionals. We take a hands‑on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are why our people love working at A&M.

The Team

A&M’s Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI) practice serves upper middle market and large‑cap private equity firms, improving financial and operational results at portfolio companies. Within PEPI, the Carve‑out & Merger Integration team advises portfolio companies through complex separations and integrations to deliver step‑change operational performance and value creation.

You will work on high‑impact engagements (carve‑outs, merger integrations, performance improvement, transformational delivery), collaborating with the European PEPI team and cross‑functional experts.

How You Will Contribute

• Manage rapid diagnostics using analytical and qualitative insights to identify levers that transform performance in PE‑backed businesses.
• Develop and execute transformation plans tightly linked to EBITDA and working capital improvement.
• Lead buy‑side and sell‑side carve‑out projects, including perimeter definition, complexity assessment, stranded cost mitigation, and risk/control management.
• Oversee post‑acquisition carve‑out implementation: Day‑1 readiness, TSA design and management, stand‑up of standalone functions, and TSA exit.
• Translate Operational Due Diligence (ODD) findings into executable value‑creation initiatives, delivering growth, cost, and cash quick wins.
• Drive 100‑day planning, merger integration management, synergy case validation and tracking, and integration governance.
• Collaborate with functional workstreams (Operations, Finance, IT, HR, Procurement, Supply Chain) to ensure aligned delivery, tracking, and benefits realization.
• Support business development activities, including proposal development, workplan design, and thought leadership.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited university.
• Extensive experience delivering buy‑side and sell‑side carve‑out services and standing up standalone organizations.
• Recent experience leading international operational change/transformation programs.
• Proven track record directing teams and delivering major pre‑ and post‑deal transformational assignments in PE contexts.
• Strong understanding of the private equity lifecycle, value creation levers, and relevant networks.
• Expertise in operational KPIs, balanced scorecards, continuous improvement, and benefits tracking.
• Proficiency in PMO tools, integration/carve‑out playbooks, governance, and change management methodologies.
• Fluency in German and English; additional European languages are a plus.

Your journey at A&M

We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning and rewards contributions, and we provide benefits and resources to support your well‑being and personal journey. With a culture of meritocracy, top‑notch training, and on‑the‑job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.