Senior Associate, Operations & Supply Chain

Department:  Operations & Supply Chain

Alvarez & Marsal's Corporate team is built on deep industry sector expertise with a demonstrably differentiated ability to address the most complex business problems and deliver dramatic and sustainable business performance improvements. We operate across five industry sector clusters: Retail and Consumer Products; Transportation and Infrastructure; Media & Telecommunications; Oil & Gas and Automotive, Manufacturing and High-Tech.

Our Operations and Supply Chain function is a growing term dedicated to driving bottom line impact.  We have deep functional expertise to help clients tackle a broad range of supply chain challenges, integrating effective solutions across international businesses, achieving excellent results. Blending hands-on industry expertise and strategic thinking, our team of experts work to develop and implement operational performance improvement solutions.  Working either in an advisory capacity or taking the reins in an interim C-Suite role, our team comprises of a group of truly outstanding senior industry specialists providing corporate clients with innovative solutions to the toughest problems. 

Purpose of the role:

Due to high growth, a new opportunity exists for a London based Operations & Supply Chain Senior Associate (Manager) in the London office. The Supply Chain Senior Associate is an Operational expert hired by companies and organizations to manage and improve their supply chain processes. Senior Associates are expected to develop business strategies that will minimize the cost of manufacturing and distribution, decrease the duration of the whole process and thus secure the highest possible profitability for the client.

Reporting to the Business Unit Head for Supply Chain in Europe, the successful appointee will be responsible for contributing to the profile and reputation of the Firm, specifically in the key Supply Chain function. You will reflect the operational distinctiveness that is A&M; a business savvy, solution focused business entrepreneur who is addicted to having an impact, determined to make a difference and not afraid to challenge the status-quo. The role will be to support clients to ensure their companies have credible plans and the ability to execute and deliver the financial results required.

Key Responsibilities:

Consulting and delivery of Supply Chain trends and on important client challenges in areas such as:

• Supply chain strategy;
• Demand planning and supply planning;
• Sales & operations planning (S&OP);
• Production and distribution network optimization;
• Management of inventory and other supply chain assets;
• Supply chain integrity and traceability;
• Distributor and third party logistics (3PL) contract management;
• Manufacturing efficiency and flexibility improvement (Lean);
• Strategic sourcing and procurement;
• Product value engineering;
• Costs-to-serve modeling and alignment of commercial terms;
• Operational Due Diligence;
• Restructuring with a supply chain focus.

Projects can include:

• Initial rapid diagnostic into a company's immediate and future major operational issues, product profitability, cost base, manufacturing processes and options for performance improvement;
• Gathering and analyze data, formulating and testing hypotheses, and developing recommendations for presentation to client management;
• Developing and implementing a new operating plan/structures to improve the business operational performance;
• Hands-on contribution to the analysis, design and implementation of business performance approaches, developing tailor-made solutions and working closely with clients to ensure positive impact and sustainable results. 

Requirements for this position:

We are looking to hire someone who has a successful track record with a blend of operational and commercial skills & an entrepreneurial approach. The successful candidate will be a team-orientated individual with excellent financial skills and a track record of success.

Essential:

• A good Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university is essential, preferably in business, engineering, computer science, supply chain management or another relevant subject;
• Must have extensive knowledge of Operational and Supply Chain (ideally in a client-site focused delivery model) within a top tier strategy firm, leading specialist and/or niche advisory firm or ‘Big 4’ consultancy;
• Recent, relevant experience in International Operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, purchasing and logistics (ideally within retail, pharma, automotive or business services);
• An understanding of manufacturing processes and global distribution networks within FTSE 350 sized clients, and be able to use innovative technology to resolve problems and implement business solutions;
• Experience in operational KPIs, Balance Score Cards, and a reporting/ review process to ensure continuous improvement of the operational performance of the business;
• Understand and execute LEAN production philosophy;
• Lead holistic performance improvement projects, understanding different kinds of Project Management Office (PMO) tools;
• Must have an ability and willingness to travel (potentially from Day 1) to client sites, across the UK & European regions, at short notice as part of the working week;
• Fluency to a business level in both written and spoken English is essential;
• Clear determination to deliver the latest thinking in Supply Chain solutions, including planning and execution tools, within a highly competitive advisory marketplace.
• Strong analytical skills and deep dive analysis;
• A persuasive and effective communicator who can engage effectively with leadership teams in pressure situations.

Desirable:

• MBA or Masters qualification preferred but not required;
• MCILT certified candidates preferred;
• Additional European languages are also highly desirable;
• Will have active membership of supply chain associations and organizations that offer additional education and training, provide useful information and focus on improving business standards.
• Have a varied cross sector background including telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, energy, retail, consumer goods, transport, business services and healthcare.

Why A&M?

Companies, investors, lenders and government entities around the world turn to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) when conventional approaches are not enough to activate change and achieve results.

Privately-held since 1983, A&M is a leading global professional services firm that delivers performance improvement, turnaround management and business advisory services to organizations seeking to transform operations, catapult growth and accelerate results through decisive action. Our senior professionals are experienced operators, world-class consultants and industry veterans who draw upon the firm's restructuring heritage to help leaders turn change into a strategic business asset, manage risk and unlock value at every stage.

When action matters, find us at www.alvarezandmarsal.com.

Our heritage is restructuring, but for over 30 years we have grown from a premier restructuring boutique to a global consulting firm with more than $1 billion in revenues. Over the course of time we have experienced the shifts in the various regulatory environments around the world.

Establishing a presence in Europe over ten years ago, the European business now has some 600 staff in a broad range of professional services including: Corporate Transformation, Financial Institutions Advisory, Transaction Advisory and a market leading Private Equity Performance Improvement practice.

Voluntary Inclusion

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s policy to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, pregnancy, marital status, family status, religion, national origin, age or disability or any other non-merit based factor in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per A&M policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that A&M will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.