M&A Value Creation Lead

Grant Thornton (US); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Grant Thornton in the United States is seeking a Value Creation Manager to work with private equity and corporate clients on operational opportunities across the transaction lifecycle. You will lead operational due diligence, cost optimization, synergy analysis, and post-close execution, coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable plans.

This role supports Day 1 readiness, integration and separation planning, and client relationships within a hybrid work model requiring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in transaction advisory, management consulting, operational due diligence, integration and separation, corporate strategy, private equity, or a related field.
• Industry recognized professional certification required.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including financial analysis, data modeling, and process mapping.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead buy-side and sell-side transaction engagements with cross‑functional teams.
• Lead operational due diligence workstreams to assess performance, risks and opportunities.
• Manage standalone, one‑time, and stranded cost assessments.
• Lead synergy assessments and interdependency analyses.
• Lead cost optimization assessments to drive EBITDA improvement with roadmaps.
• Oversee cash and working capital optimization workstreams alongside cost levers.
• Oversee Day 1 readiness and 100‑day planning efforts.
• Develop integration and separation plans across multi‑phase workplans.
• Provide IMO/SMO/TMO leadership and support.
• Lead TSA scoping, negotiation support, and schedule preparation.
• Support operating model design and organizational structure planning.
• Manage change management and stakeholder communication.
• Manage client relationships and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and support business development.
• Ensure timely delivery and high‑quality work.

Skills

Financial analysis

Data modeling

Process mapping

Presentation skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA preferred

Industry certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Grant Thornton in the United States is seeking a Value Creation Manager to work with private equity and corporate clients on operational opportunities across the transaction lifecycle. You will lead operational due diligence, cost optimization, synergy analysis, and post-close execution, coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable plans.

This role supports Day 1 readiness, integration and separation planning, and client relationships within a hybrid work model requiring