Director - Consumer and Retail Group

Alvarez & Marsal; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvarez & Marsal is seeking a Director in the Consumer & Retail Group. Lead complex engagements across transformation, performance improvement, and M&A to drive measurable value.

Own relationships with C‑level and board stakeholders, and guide strategic decisions with rigorous analysis and practical insights. You will build and lead high-performing teams, manage scope and timelines, and identify opportunities to expand EBITDA in partnership with CRG leadership.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree from a top university; MBA preferred.
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of relevant experience in consumer/retail or consulting.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex client engagements across transformation, performance improvement, and M&A.
• Own value creation and client impact from start to finish.
• Build and lead high-performing teams; manage scope, resourcing, and timelines.
• Own C-level and board relationships; guide strategic decisions with credibility.
• Identify opportunities for EBITDA expansion and shareholder value with CRG leadership.
• Synthesize financial, operational and strategic data into enterprise-level recommendations.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Engagement Leadership

Client Management

Analytical Rigor

Communication

People Leadership

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Education

MBA preferred

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

Undergraduate degree from a top university

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Access

Job description

Description

A&M Consumer & Retail Group | Director

Who We Are:

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global professional services firm with over 12,000 entrepreneurial, action-oriented professionals across 80+ locations. We specialize in turnaround management, restructuring, performance improvement, and corporate advisory services.

Our Consumer & Retail Group was established over six years ago to disrupt consulting: we're faster, more experienced, and deliver more impact than traditional firms. We're a mix of seasoned consultants and operational experts who combine analytical rigor with business judgment to build practical solutions.

Our clients need tangible results. Whether driving topline growth, right-sizing costs, or navigating disruption, they get a strategy that works and a team that executes. Our clients consistently put meaningful points on the board, and their teams leave equipped to sustain value long-term.

Our Culture:

We are independent thinkers and doers who operate with Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity. We solve problems with speed, rigor, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

What You'll Do:

• Lead complex client engagements across transformation, performance improvement, and M&A. Own value creation and client impact from start to finish.
• Help build and lead high-performing teams on engagements, managing scope, approach, resourcing, and timeline with rigor and speed.
• Own C-level and board relationships. Guide strategic decisions through credibility, insight, and hands-on problem-solving.
• Identify and execute high-impact opportunities for EBITDA expansion and shareholder value in partnership with CRG leadership and clients.
• Synthesize financial, operational, and strategic data into enterprise-level recommendations with measurable P&L impact.
• Drive change management and stakeholder alignment across complex organizations.
• Build durable client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Contribute to CRG tools, methodologies, and intellectual property. Mentor junior staff and participate in recruiting.

What We're Looking For:

• Consulting or Consulting and Operational experience with demonstrated success in consumer and/or retail related industries.
• Deep expertise in one or more of these areas:
  • Consumer/Retail consulting, finance, transformation, or corporate development
  • Supply chain, logistics, or operations strategy for consumer goods or retail
  • Merchandising, category management, or sales and marketing effectiveness
  • Network modeling, procurement strategy, or manufacturing operations
  • SG&A reduction, M&A (divestitures, carve-outs, integration), or digital transformation

• Proven ability to lead complex work streams, structure problem-solving in ambiguous situations, and deliver results under pressure.
• Track record synthesizing data into actionable recommendations, implementing solutions with clients at all levels, and developing compelling business cases.
• Entrepreneurial mindset. Intellectual curiosity. Results-driven orientation. Action bias.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership: Influence C-level and board stakeholders in complex situations. Guide decisions with credibility and insight.
• Engagement Leadership: Help build high-performing teams. Drive execution rigor, quality delivery, and on-time completion across multiple workstreams.
• Client Management: Understand organizational dynamics and stakeholder agendas. Engage effectively from board to operations. Drive implementation.
• Analytical Rigor: Perform sophisticated financial and operational analysis. Structure complex problems independently. Generate P&L impact.
• Communication: Translate complex information into clear narratives. Develop client-ready documents and presentations with advanced written and verbal skills.
• Action Orientation: Structure problem-solving approaches independently. Balance speed with rigor. Drive stakeholder alignment.
• People Leadership: Mentor and develop talent. Participate in recruiting and capability building.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Think strategically. Question assumptions. Drive innovation. Maintain high energy in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree from a top university, MBA preferred
• Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or related field
• 6+ years of relevant experience in consumer/retail business or consulting at a professional services firm, or a mix of consulting and corporate finance / operations roles
• Demonstrated success leading and managing complex work streams and projects
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access
• Strong technical acumen and comfort working with complex data
• Advanced written communication skills and ability to develop client-ready documents and presentations independently
• Open to domestic travel up to 70% M-F

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