Director, M&A Separations & Execution

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Director, M&A Separations & Execution to lead end-to-end operational separation activities for sell-side M&A transactions, including divestitures, asset sales, and complex business carve-outs.

This individual will work closely with the VP of Strategy & Corporate Development and lead the Separation Management Office (SMO), coordinating cross-functional teams to develop separation plans, manage Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), ensure Day 1 readiness, and drive post-close transitions toward standalone operations.

This is a hands-on individual contributor position requiring both strategic leadership and direct execution of complex separation activities. There are no direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sell-side M&A divestitures, asset carve-outs, and complex operational separations.
• Establish and manage the Separation Management Office (SMO), including governance, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Develop and execute separation plans covering pre-signing, sign-to-close, Day 1 readiness, and post-close activities.
• Develop and manage TSA scopes, schedules, service requirements, costs, governance, and exit plans, including Reverse TSAs.
• Manage complex operational separations and seller/buyer dependencies.
• Design interim operating models and transition roadmaps toward standalone operations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Finance, Legal, IT, HR, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial.
• Identify operational risks, dependencies, stranded costs, and mitigation strategies.
• Manage global stakeholders across the U.S., Europe, and APAC.
• Provide executive-level updates, strategic recommendations, and hands-on execution support.

Must-Have Requirements

• Direct experience leading sell-side M&A divestitures and asset carve-outs – mandatory.
• Strong Separation Management Office (SMO) leadership and execution experience.
• Hands-on experience developing and managing Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), including scopes, schedules, service requirements, and costs.
• Experience with Reverse TSAs and TSA exit planning.
• Experience managing complex operational separations and seller/buyer dependencies.
• End-to-end transaction execution experience covering pre-signing, sign-to-close, Day 1 readiness, and post-close separation.
• Experience designing interim operating models and standalone business transition plans.
• Global stakeholder management experience across the U.S., Europe, and APAC.
• Strong cross-functional leadership across Finance, Legal, IT, HR, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Regulatory.
• Ability to provide strategic direction while personally driving hands-on execution.
• Strong executive communication, risk management, and problem-solving skills.
• Director-level experience preferred. Senior Managers with director-level responsibilities will also be considered.

Industry Preference

• Medical Devices / MedTech – strong preference.
• Pharmaceutical / Healthcare.
• Other highly regulated industries.
• Consulting candidates are welcome if they have relevant M&A separation project and client experience.

Location & Availability

• Deerfield, IL local candidates preferred.
• Onsite presence expected 2–3 days per week.
• Remote candidates may be considered if willing to travel to Deerfield.
• Occasional evening meetings may be required to coordinate with APAC teams.

Interview Process

• First Round: Microsoft Teams interview with the Hiring Manager (Octave).
• Second Round: Potential interview with HR and additional stakeholders.

Top 5 Critical Screening Criteria

• Proven sell-side M&A divestiture and asset carve-out experience.
• Strong SMO leadership and execution experience.
• Hands-on TSA and Reverse TSA development and management.
• Day 1 readiness and complex operational separation experience.
• Global stakeholder management and hands-on execution capabilities.