The Deal Builders: Scaling PE Expertise in U.S. Consulting Operations

Client Overview

Our client is a global management consulting firm that specializes in technology and digital transformation. One of their core service lines is Private Equity, which has been growing at over 50% over the past 3 years.

Founded in 2002, the firm operates globally with offices in New York, Santa Clara, Houston, Seattle, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune, Japan, and Paris. It advises Global Enterprises, Fortune 2000 companies, System Integrators, and Private Equity firms across their technology journeys—spanning revenue growth, transformation, and optimization.

Core services include:

• Enabling global companies to scale engineering talent through Global Capability Centers
• Full M&A advisory (buy-side, sell-side)
• PE-focused services including asset evaluation, due diligence, and value creation
• Market entry and expansion support
• Open innovation strategy and accelerator program design
• Technology-enabled digital transformation (AI/ML, Cloud, IoT, Automation)

The Challenge / Mandate

The firm sought an Engagement Manager to head up the PE practice from its NYC office—their first U.S.-based manager-level hire. The role required deep commercial due diligence expertise and the capability to expand the firm’s presence in the U.S. while transitioning into a BD-focused leadership path.

Key objectives included:

• Lead U.S.-based delivery of PE engagements
• Scale the PE practice through operational improvements
• Manage project teams, mentor junior consultants, and ensure high-quality client delivery
• Build relationships with PE clients and, over time, contribute to BD efforts and revenue generation

Search Strategy

The search targeted current Engagement Managers from top-tier consulting firms with commercial due diligence experience and a strong interest in building a new practice.

Key criteria included:

• Seniority: Engagement Manager-level (e.g., Manager at MBB, LEK, Strategy&, EY-Parthenon, etc.)
• Experience: 5–10 commercial due diligence completed
• Soft Skills: High EQ, strong client communication, creative problem-solving, team leadership, entrepreneurial drive
• Other Requirements: Top-tier MBA (preferred), Private Equity exposure, long-term BD mindset

The Placement

The final candidate brought a strong blend of management consulting and growth leadership experience. He had previously served as a Manager at Bain, where he led multiple commercial due diligence engagements and developed a robust foundation in PE advisory. Following that, he held a VP role at a global technology services firm, where he scaled consulting delivery teams and deepened his exposure to enterprise transformation projects. His early career included strategic analytics roles and frontline consulting at a marketing data and insights firm. This multifaceted background made him particularly well-suited to build a U.S. beachhead for a global firm—combining technical know-how, client leadership, and an entrepreneurial drive to grow a practice. He stood out not just for his delivery capabilities, but for his trusted advisor presence and long-term potential to lead business development efforts in a growing PE segment.

The Outcome

The Engagement Manager is now leading high-impact PE projects and helping expand the firm’s U.S. footprint. He brings delivery excellence, thought leadership, and a strong foundation for future business development.