Managing Director, Buy-Side Advisory

Accountabilities: As Managing Director, Buy-Side Advisory, you will drive commercial growth, lead high-value transactions, and contribute to the strategic development of the advisory practice. Business Development and Origination Source and originate buy-side advisory mandates from private equity sponsors, including acquisition programs for portfolio companies, and strategic corporate acquirers within your industry vertical. Collaborate with sponsor coverage teams to develop relationships and generate new transaction opportunities across the private equity community. Leverage your professional network, transaction track record, and existing industry relationships to generate referrals and expand business opportunities. Introduce clients to complementary financial advisory services, including sell-side M&A, capital markets, and restructuring solutions. Achieve ambitious business development and revenue targets, making a significant contribution to overall practice growth. Partner with marketing teams to develop industry-specific communications, newsletters, campaigns, and other business development initiatives. Strengthen market visibility and professional reputation through speaking engagements, published articles, industry panels, conferences, and board participation. Transaction Execution and Client Advisory Assume overall responsibility for buy-side engagements, ensuring successful transaction execution and consistently high-quality deliverables. Lead transaction teams in a collaborative environment, overseeing all engagement activities and maintaining rigorous execution standards. Coordinate acquisition target identification and engagement through direct outreach in collaboration with deal teams. Identify potential transaction risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate challenges throughout the M&A process. Manage critical client and stakeholder communications, ensuring professional engagement and effective transaction outcomes. Provide strategic and financial advice to private equity deal teams, portfolio company executives, business owners, and corporate clients. Apply extensive M&A expertise and executive-level judgment to navigate complex transactions and support clients through important business decisions. Practice and Organizational Development Contribute to the strategic direction and long-term development of the buy-side advisory practice. Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing professionals, strengthening their business development capabilities, M&A expertise, and industry knowledge. Support the professional growth of team members through coaching, knowledge sharing, and leadership development. Collaborate with industry specialists and other advisory teams to originate and execute cross-platform mandates. Help expand the organization's market presence, transaction capabilities, and client relationships across multiple industry verticals. Requirements The ideal candidate is an accomplished financial advisory executive with substantial buy-side M&A experience, a strong private equity network, and a demonstrated ability to generate business and lead complex transactions. At least 10 years of executive-level professional experience within a relevant industry vertical. Previous experience at Senior Executive, Corporate Development, or Managing Director level, with significant responsibility for leading buy-side M&A engagements. Proven track record of sourcing and originating buy-side advisory mandates, particularly through established relationships within the private equity community. Extensive experience advising business owners, C-suite executives, private equity sponsors, investors, and corporate leadership teams. Deep understanding of buy-side M&A strategy, transaction structuring, deal execution, and acquisition processes. Demonstrated ability to manage complex business challenges across different stages of the business lifecycle, including growth, downturn, and financial distress. Strong business development, sales, and marketing capabilities, supported by measurable results in direct sales and mandate origination. Excellent financial and commercial acumen, including P&L responsibility, M&A transactions, financial analysis, and business performance assessment. Extensive professional network and the ability to leverage industry relationships, personal reputation, and previous career achievements to generate new opportunities. Proven leadership experience building, developing, and managing high-performing teams in both local and remote environments. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to facilitate sensitive and complex discussions among senior stakeholders. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, combined with a hands-on approach to transaction execution and business growth. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment while managing multiple transactions and competing priorities. Previous operating or executive experience within your relevant industry vertical, beyond financial advisory, is an advantage. Strong academic background. Must have current authorization to work in the United States, as employment sponsorship is not available. Relevant industry verticals include: Consumer and Retail Transportation and Logistics Technology and Business Services Industrials and Manufacturing Healthcare Financial Services Benefits Total annual earnings typically ranging from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, depending on sourcing, origination, and transaction execution performance. Flexible location within the United States, with preference for candidates based in Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Dallas. Access to dedicated buy-side transaction execution resources and specialist advisory teams. Opportunity to leverage a broad financial advisory platform spanning buy-side, sell-side, capital markets, and restructuring services. Significant autonomy and influence over the strategic direction and growth of the advisory practice. Opportunity to build and expand an established private equity and corporate client network. Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment that encourages innovation, professional development, and impactful leadership. Opportunity to recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while shaping the future of a growing advisory business.