Managing Director – Turnaround & Restructuring Consulting

Job Description:

Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director with over 20+ years of experience in operational and financial leadership across diverse industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and services. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in senior management roles, with a strong background in handling distressed businesses, including expertise in restructuring, turnarounds, bankruptcy proceedings, refinancing, operational improvements, and litigation support. The candidate should have C-level or ownership-level experience in the Middle Market, with a proven track record of navigating complex financial and operational challenges. You will play a critical leadership role in managing multi-disciplinary teams and guiding clients through distress situations, while providing strategic solutions that enhance business performance and financial stability.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Analysis & Operational Strategy: Lead assignments requiring comprehensive financial analysis and operational assessments of distressed companies. Develop actionable strategies that address immediate challenges and set the course for sustainable recovery.
• Cash Flow Management: Supervise the preparation of 13-week cash flow projections and integrated financial statements. Ensure cash positions are optimized, providing clients with a clear view of liquidity and actionable financial insights.
• Client Reporting & Presentations: Lead the drafting, preparation, and delivery of high-level client reports and presentations. Actively engage in client meetings and strategic discussions, presenting insights, progress updates, and recommendations.
• Interim management and CRO engagements: Assume interim management role, including Chief Restructuring Officer, and guide distressed companies through financial and operational restructuring processes, resulting in improved liquidity and operational efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with key stakeholders such as clients, lenders, attorneys, M&A advisors, and investors, maintaining open communication and managing expectations across all levels. Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, financial sponsors, and other critical parties.
• Business Development & Client Acquisition: Take an active role in the business development process, including researching and preparing pitch materials, engaging in sales calls and client interviews, and preparing proposals and engagement letters. Participate in the overall practice development to expand the firm’s reach and grow its client base.
• Crisis Management & Leadership: Demonstrate leadership and decisiveness in high-pressure situations. Take ownership of client engagements, effectively managing crises, navigating complex financial and operational issues, and providing strategic direction during uncertain times.
• Due Diligence & Business Planning: Oversee and conduct due diligence, assess business plans, and develop strategic alternatives to guide clients through financial crises and restructure their operations effectively.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to junior team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development. Help build the next generation of leaders by nurturing talent and cultivating a strong team dynamic.
• Practice Management & Operational Excellence: Manage the firm’s practice development efforts, ensuring that both operational processes and client service models meet high standards. Leverage your leadership skills to drive firm growth, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Qualifications: [Note: bullets below in blue font can be included when looking for interim-CFO experience]

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; an advanced degree (MBA or MS in Finance) or relevant certifications such as CPA or CTP is strongly preferred.
• Experience: At least 20+ years of experience in turnaround consulting, financial restructuring, or distressed asset management, with 10+ years in a senior leadership or management role, with a significant portion of that time spent in senior management roles such as Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or executive leadership positions within distressed companies.
• Sales & Marketing – Leverage personal network of contacts across the lending, legal, and private equity industries to generate referrals and sales of new engagements. Demonstarted experience sourcing revenue from a variety of referral sources.
• Hands-on experience in interim executive roles, particularly as an Interim CFO, in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, and services, is preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex financial situations, including leading financial strategy, operations, and financial reporting during periods of distress, operational restructuring, or financial transition.
• Extensive experience working with Middle Market companies, particularly those undergoing financial distress, restructuring, or bankruptcy.
• Expertise in Restructuring and Bankruptcy: Strong background in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, financial restructuring, debt workouts, creditor negotiations, and liquidation strategies. Proven ability to navigate complex restructuring scenarios and develop successful turnaround plans.
• Financial Expertise: Proven ability to develop advanced financial models, including 13-week cash flow projections, three-statement financial models, and liquidity analyses. Strong understanding of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) and the application of financial modeling to drive business improvements.
• Leadership & Team Management: Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing diverse groups of professionals, and managing projects across multiple workstreams. Ability to inspire and mentor junior staff, building a high-performance, collaborative environment.
• Operational & Crisis Management: Strong operational insight and the ability to guide organizations through crisis management and performance turnarounds.
• Client Relationship Management: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience managing relationships with private equity firms, bank and non-bank lenders, as well as working with C-suite executives and legal professionals.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to make decisions quickly and confidently, even in the most ambiguous and high-pressure situations.
• Ethics & Integrity: Demonstrated outstanding ethics, integrity, and sound business judgment. A track record of maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct in challenging environments.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 80% as required by client needs.

Desirable Skills & Attributes:

• Bankruptcy Experience: Experience in supporting bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings. Familiarity with court filings, working with U.S. Trustees, creditor committees, and other parties involved in distressed situations.
• Consultative Selling & Practice Development: Expertise in selling advisory services, building lasting relationships, and developing the firm’s practice in a competitive market.
• Sector Expertise: Industry experience in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and energy can be a distinct advantage.

Personal Characteristics:

• Proactive Problem-Solver: Ability to develop and implement creative, effective solutions to complex financial and operational problems.
• Strategic Thinker: Comfortable with long-term strategy development and execution, while also delivering tactical solutions to drive immediate results.
• Influential Leader: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, influence key stakeholders, and drive alignment on strategic objectives.
• Client-Centric: Dedicated to delivering exceptional service to clients, ensuring that their needs are met while providing valuable insights and guidance in their turnaround efforts.

In compliance with New York State Pay Transparency Law, the base salary range for this role in Illinois is between $210,000-$275,000. This range does not include discretionary bonus or other forms of compensation or benefits offered in connection with this job. Several factors are considered when determining a candidate’s compensation. Please note that the salary range listed for this position is based on the level of experience outlined in the job description. If a candidate's experience differs from the requirements, the salary may be adjusted accordingly.

Hilco Global is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered on merits and without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age (40 and older), sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender, veteran, or disability status.

Hilco Global strives to comply with all applicable local/state regulations regarding displaying salary ranges. Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as applicant's skills, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations.

In addition, Hilco Global is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, with options designed to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health. https://hilcoglobal.com/careers-about/

Hilco Global is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.