Managing Director - (Chicago)

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Aret Capital Partners is a boutique, special-situation advisory firm that provides independent fiduciary and stewardship services to companies experiencing significant growth pains, complex organizational change, or existential crisis. Additionally, Aret has the ability to invest capital up and down the capital structure in order to accelerate change, bet on ourselves and align the interests of all stakeholders. Our scope of work includes serving as Board Members, Interim C-Suite Management, Chief Restructuring Officer, and other operationally focused roles. The Aret team combines decades of professional experience across a multitude of sectors and situations, advising businesses during periods of distress and transition.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Managing Director will lead the firm's efforts in providing strategic, financial, and operational turnaround solutions for distressed companies. This role requires a dynamic leader with extensive experience in restructuring, crisis management, and performance improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record of successfully guiding companies through periods of financial distress and driving long-term value creation.

RESPONSIBILTIES

Market Leadership:

• Build and scale the practice in the Chicago market, establishing the firm's presence and driving business growth.

Business Development:

• Originate and secure new business opportunities, leveraging existing relationships and developing new ones, particularly within the governance, c-suite, and capital sectors.

Interim Management & Turnaround:

• Provide interim management and turnaround services to distressed companies, ensuring effective governance and operational improvements.

• Lead and manage restructuring projects, including financial and operational assessments, development of turnaround strategies, and execution of restructuring plans.

• Develop and implement cost reduction initiatives, operational efficiencies, and revenue enhancement strategies.

Board Governance:

• Offer expertise in board governance, serving as an independent board member for companies facing financial distress, organizational challenges, or needing strategic guidance.

Team Building:

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of high-performing professionals, focusing on building a practice rather than a traditional consulting pyramid.

Financial Management:

• Oversee financial analysis and modeling to assess the financial viability of restructuring plans.

• Manage cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to ensure business continuity during restructuring.

• Prepare and present detailed financial reports and forecasts to stakeholders, including lenders, investors, and boards of directors.

Stakeholder Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for lenders, creditors, and other key stakeholders during restructuring processes.

• Negotiate with creditors, vendors, and other parties to secure favorable terms and agreements.

• Ensure clear communication and transparency with all stakeholders throughout the restructuring process.

Operational Improvement:

• Identify and address operational inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

• Lead initiatives to optimize supply chain management, production processes, and organizational structure.

• Work closely with management teams to drive cultural and operational changes necessary for long-term success.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute strategic plans that align with the company's long-term goals and objectives for post-restructuring.

• Identify new business opportunities and areas for growth to ensure sustainable recovery.

• Provide strategic guidance on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate transactions as part of the restructuring process.

Crisis Management:

• Act as a key decision-maker during times of crisis, providing calm and effective leadership.

• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage public perception and stakeholder relations.

• Ensure business continuity and risk management practices are in place to mitigate future risks.

Equity Participation:

• Participate in the firm's equity program, with opportunities for significant financial rewards based on performance and firm-wide success

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum 15 years of experience in restructuring, interim management, and board governance, preferably with a background in leading practices at top firms

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in generating substantial business, ideally with a personal book of business worth $2M-$3M annually.

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams.

• Cultural Fit: Humble, results-oriented, and entrepreneurial spirit with no ego. Must align with the firm's culture of humility, gratitude, and family-like environment.

• Sales Acumen: Ability to sell services effectively and build lasting client relationships.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. CPA, CFA, or similar financial certification is highly desirable.