⌨️ Job Code: HL-311-C
💵 Up to 250k All-in + Sub-Participation and Exit Kicker
📍On-Site Work in Norway/Sweden 4-5 Days a Week
About our client
Our client is a European investment firm focused on operational transformation, carve-outs and sustainable value creation in mid-sized businesses.
As part of a potential transaction, a Northern European multi-site distribution business will be separated from a larger corporate group and established as an independent platform. The company operates a broad branch and showroom network and serves primarily professional customers, with additional exposure to project-driven and selective end-customer business.
Closing is targeted for mid-2026. An Operating Partner will be appointed ahead of closing to assume full operational responsibility post-acquisition.
The primary transformation focus will be on one of the core country operations, which currently underperforms relative to the rest of the group.
Your role
* As Operating Partner, you will assume full operational responsibility for the group post-closing, with a clear mandate to restructure and improve performance.
* You will act as an operational CEO / turnaround leader — hands-on, present on site and closely aligned with the shareholder.
* In parallel, you will ensure full stand-alone readiness in both countries following the carve-out (IT, finance, procurement, reporting, governance).
* This is explicitly not a board-only role, but a hands-on executive position with direct P&L responsibility.
Key responsibilities
* Restructuring & Turnaround
* Full operational leadership of the restructuring with P&L accountability.
* Delivery of positive cash flow and sustainable EBITDA improvement.
* Optimization of cost structures and fixed cost base.
* Review and efficiency enhancement of the branch network.
* Improvement of gross margins and active procurement steering.
* Rigorous working capital optimization.
* Carve-out & Stand-Alone Setup
* Establishment of independent finance, IT, procurement and reporting structures.
* Implementation of transparent KPI and performance management systems.
* Ensuring robust liquidity planning and cash transparency.
* Implementation of governance and management structures fit for a stand-alone business.
* Stabilization and development of the leadership structure.
* Close collaboration with the shareholder on the transformation roadmap.
* Establishment of a performance-driven culture with clear accountability.
Your profile
* Proven leadership experience in multi-site distribution, trade or adjacent B2B-driven industries.
* Demonstrated turnaround and/or restructuring track record in multi-site environments.
* Strong financial acumen (P&L, cash flow, working capital).
* Carve-out and post-merger integration experience is a plus.
* Experience in a Private Equity environment is advantageous.
* Willingness to spend significant time on the ground in Norway and Sweden.
* Fluent English required; Norwegian or Swedish beneficial.
* Residence in Germany not required.
* Ideally, you have previously served as CEO / Managing Director of a portfolio company or led complex transformation programs in an executive capacity.
What to expect
* Full operational mandate with a clear turnaround mission.
* Direct impact on cash flow, EBITDA and value creation.
* Close collaboration with an active Private Equity shareholder.
* High degree of entrepreneurial freedom in a complex carve-out situation.