Director, M&A Separations & Execution

Director, M&A Separations & Execution – Job DescriptionDeerfieldILUSA60015Position OverviewThe Director, M&A Separations & Execution will lead the planning and execution of complex divestitures, carve-outs, asset sales, and other portfolio transactions from initial planning through Day 1 readiness and post-close separation.This role will work closely with the VP of Strategy & Corporate Development and cross-functional leadership teams to establish and manage the Separation Management Office (SMO), develop separation strategies, oversee Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), establish interim operating models, and ensure successful transaction execution.This is a hands-on individual contributor position with no direct reports, requiring strong experience in sell-side M&A, operational separations, cross-functional program leadership, and executive stakeholder management.Key ResponsibilitiesM&A Separation Strategy & PlanningLead operational separation planning for divestitures, carve-outs, and asset sales.Develop integrated separation plans, timelines, milestones, and workstreams.Assess operational impacts across IT, Finance, HR, Legal, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, and Commercial functions.Identify operational risks, dependencies, stranded costs, and resource requirements.Establish transaction governance, escalation procedures, and execution processes.Sell-Side M&A ExecutionLead operational activities for sell-side M&A transactions.Support operational due diligence and buyer information requests.Coordinate with Corporate Development, Legal, external advisors, and business leaders.Translate transaction requirements into actionable operating plans.Manage sign-to-close execution and separation priorities.Day 1 Readiness & Separation ExecutionDevelop and manage the overall Separation Management Office (SMO) plan.Coordinate functional separation plans covering signing, closing, Day 1, and post-close activities.Establish Day 1 readiness criteria and resolve operational gaps.Oversee cutover planning and business continuity activities.Track milestones, risks, dependencies, and executive-level reporting.Transition Service Agreements (TSAs)Lead TSA development, implementation, governance, and exit planning.Define service scope, costs, duration, service levels, and dependencies.Coordinate with Legal and functional stakeholders.Monitor TSA performance and exit milestones.Develop plans to transition away from TSA dependencies.Interim & End-State Operating ModelsDevelop interim operating models to maintain business continuity.Determine which services, systems, processes, and resources transfer to the buyer or remain with the seller.Identify capabilities requiring temporary TSA support.Develop transition roadmaps toward standalone or buyer-owned operations.Cross-Functional LeadershipLead cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority.Manage dependencies and resolve operational challenges.Communicate risks, progress, and recommendations to senior executives.Facilitate stakeholder meetings and transaction governance.Prepare executive presentations, action plans, and issue-tracking reports.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.MBA or advanced degree preferred.Significant experience in M&A, divestitures, carve-outs, business transformation, or transaction execution.Minimum 5+ years of direct carve-out, divestiture, or separation execution experience.Strong sell-side M&A transaction experience.Experience managing the complete transaction lifecycle, including pre-sign planning, sign-to-close, Day 1 readiness, and post-close separation.Hands-on experience developing and managing Transition Service Agreements (TSAs).Experience designing interim operating models and separation strategies.Strong understanding of Finance, IT, HR, Legal, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and business operations.Experience working with global and cross-functional teams.Excellent stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Ability to influence senior executives without direct reporting authority.Preferred QualificationsMedical Devices, MedTech, Healthcare, or other regulated industry experience.Background in Big Four consulting, strategy consulting, Corporate Development, or Private Equity.Experience with complex manufacturing, supply chain, and international business separations.Experience working with buyers, sellers, investment bankers, transaction counsel, and external advisors.Core SkillsM&A Separation ManagementSeparation Management Office (SMO)Sell-Side M&ADivestitures & Carve-OutsOperational Due DiligenceDay 1 Readiness & CutoverTransition Service Agreements (TSA)TSA Governance & Exit PlanningInterim Operating Model DesignCross-Functional Program ManagementBusiness TransformationOperational Risk ManagementGlobal Business OperationsExecutive Stakeholder Management