Director, M&A Separations & Execution

Company: Kelly Services

Job Title: Director, M&A Separations & Execution

Location: Hybrid – Deerfield, IL

Duration: 6+ month contract

Reports To: VP, Strategy & Corporate Development

Position Summary

The Director, M&A Separations & Execution is responsible for planning and executing complex divestitures, carve-outs, asset sales, and other portfolio transactions from initial planning through Day 1 and post-close separation. This hands-on role translates transaction strategy into practical operating plans across business operations and corporate functions. Partnering closely with functional leaders - including Finance, Legal, IT, HR, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial - the Director shapes and operates the Separation Management Office (SMO). Responsibilities include defining separation requirements, interim operating models, Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), Day 1 readiness, and delivering the intended post-close end state.

This individual contributor role works directly with the VP, Strategy & Corporate Development, facilitating cross-functional activities and managing deal governance to drive operational progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of divestitures, carve-outs, asset sales, and related portfolio transactions.
• Partner with global functional leads to identify separation requirements and translate transaction strategy into actionable operating plans.
• Establish and manage the Separation Management Office (SMO); develop and maintain master plans, issue logs, and critical deliverables.
• Design, negotiate, and oversee Transition Service Agreements (TSAs) and interim operating models.
• Ensure Day 1 readiness and drive post-close separation activities toward intended outcomes.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, workshops, and communication with business leaders and third-party advisors.
• Manage operational risk and dependencies across functions, jurisdictions, and time zones.
• Develop executive-level materials and reports to communicate progress, risks, and recommendations.
• Execute hands-on work including analysis, documentation, and planning required to move transactions forward.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, operations, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Five or more years’ direct carve-out, divestiture, separation, or transaction execution experience with operational responsibility.
• Experience in medical devices, MedTech, healthcare, or highly regulated global industries.
• Significant professional experience in M&A, Separation Management, business operations, transformation, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated sell-side M&A experience, ideally involving complex businesses, carve-outs, or asset sales.
• Experience across all transaction phases: pre-sign planning, sign-to-close execution, Day 1 readiness, and post-close separation.
• Track record of developing and executing separation plans across multiple functions.
• Proven expertise in developing/managing TSAs - including governance and exit planning.
• Experience designing interim operating models linked to separations.
• Strong operational background with proven ability to assess impacts on processes, systems, people, supply chains, and business continuity.
• Effectiveness working across global, matrixed organizations, jurisdictions, and time zones.
• Leadership of complex cross-functional programs; ability to influence senior stakeholders without formal authority.
• Strong financial, commercial, analytical, and problem-solving skills; comfort with ambiguity.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated hands-on execution, including development of analyses, plans, materials, logs, and documentation.

Preferred:

• Background in Big Four deal practice, strategy consulting, corporate development, private equity, or transaction-intensive environments.
• Experience with transactions involving manufacturing, supply chain, regulated products, or complex international operations.
• Experience working directly with buyers, sellers, investment bankers, counsel, and advisors.

Core Capabilities

• Separation Management Office
• Carve-out and separation execution
• Sell-side M&A
• Operational due diligence
• Day 1 readiness and cutover
• TSA development, governance, and exit
• Interim operating-model design
• Cross-functional program leadership
• Operational risk management
• Executive communication and influence
• Global business operations
• Structured problem solving
• Hands-on execution

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