As the Firm grows its national Transaction Advisory practice, an exceptional Partner-level opportunity is available to lead its IT diligence and technology transaction advisory capability. This highly visible role advises corporate and private equity clients across the full deal lifecycle - from pre-close technology due diligence through post-close technology initiatives and exit readiness. The role is based in Chicago, with a hybrid or remote arrangement.

Role Overview

This Partner will serve as the senior leader and technical authority for Cherry Bekaert's IT and cybersecurity diligence capability within the Firm's Transaction Advisory practice while working closely with other service lines. The role spans the full deal lifecycle across corporate M&A and private equity transactions: buy-side and sell-side technology and cybersecurity diligence; post-close technology initiatives spanning carve-outs, separations and integrations across the technology backbone of a business; and sell-side readiness and exit advisory. Leadership and team development are central to this role - the ideal candidate pairs a proven track record of building, mentoring and growing high-performing teams with deep technology and transaction knowledge and the commercial orientation to expand client relationships and scale the practice nationally.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement Leadership and Technical Delivery

• Serve as the senior technical authority and primary point of contact for M&A engagements - pre-close diligence, post-close technology initiatives and value creation - across corporate and private equity transactions.
• Lead M&A technology and cybersecurity due diligence - on both buy-side and sell-side engagements - evaluating IT infrastructure, systems, applications, data and cybersecurity posture to identify risks, synergies and value-creation opportunities.
• Direct post-close technology initiatives, including carve-outs, separations and integrations across the technology backbone of a business, technology strategy and roadmap development, and complex program management and recovery.
• Guide sell-side and exit readiness, including technology diligence, preparation of the technology components of confidential information materials, and cross-portfolio cybersecurity assessment and remediation planning to protect enterprise value.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing delivery team, building technical depth and a collaborative service culture.
• Provide hands-on coaching and career guidance that grows team members into future practice leaders, and collaborate with other Firm leaders to advance the broader Transactions practice.
• Proactively identify and attract high-potential talent across the technology diligence, transaction advisory and value-creation market, building a pipeline of candidates in advance of need.
• Partner with the Firm's recruiting and human resources teams to design career paths, compensation structures and retention strategies that attract and retain top professionals.

Business Development and Practice Growth

• Own the practice's growth strategy, including pipeline targets, pursuit processes and a predictable, high-quality revenue funnel.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with corporate and private equity clients, deal teams, portfolio company leaders and referral sources across the middle market.
• Lead strategic pursuits, personally engaging in key proposals, executive presentations and fee negotiations for significant or complex engagements.
• Expand the practice's offerings across the investment lifecycle, collaborating with Transactions, Digital Advisory and Risk & Cybersecurity teams, and contribute to the Firm's market presence through thought leadership and industry forums.

Operational Excellence

• Build delivery standards, methodologies, quality controls and resource capacity models that support consistent, scalable service, and establish performance indicators across delivery quality, client satisfaction, utilization and financial performance.
• Own the practice's commercial performance, including revenue growth, resource planning, utilization and margin.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience leading technology or IT due diligence and transaction advisory engagements across corporate M&A and private equity-sponsored deals, spanning pre-close diligence, post-close technology initiatives and exit advisory.
• Proven track record of leadership and team development, including building, mentoring and scaling high-performing teams within a consulting, advisory or transaction services environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge across the technology dimensions of M&A, including IT infrastructure and applications, ERP and systems integration (such as SAP, NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics), data and analytics, cloud migration and cybersecurity.
• Established business development track record and professional network across the corporate and middle-market private equity transaction community, including a history of meeting or exceeding revenue growth targets.
• Experience leading complex, multi-phase technology programs on both buy-side and sell-side engagements, including systems integrations, carve-outs, separations and post-merger integration.
• Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree (such as an MBA) or relevant professional certification is required.

What you can expect from us:
• Entrepreneurial environment focused on professional development, career advancement, and performance and rewards opportunities.
• Supportive partnership group with a "one firm" mentality and a commitment to colleagues' success.
• Big firm resources and bench strength; small firm flexibility and openness to new ideas.
• Defined metrics and targets that eliminate ambiguity.
• Flexible work arrangements with generous PTO, including a firmwide week off for the 4th of July.

Benefits Information:

Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.