We recently supported a senior corporate finance professional in securing a newly created Transaction Services Partner role with a rapidly growing large independent firm in Birmingham. The opportunity was specifically designed to build and scale the firm’s due diligence offering in the Midlands, providing the candidate with the chance to focus on a core specialism and shape a key growth area.
The Challenge
At the time of initial contact, the candidate was not actively exploring the market. They were well-established within a regional firm, operating as a corporate finance generalist across a broad range of advisory services. While successful in this role, their long-term ambition had always been to return to due diligence – an area where they had developed strong expertise earlier in their career within a Big 4 environment.
The challenge was identifying an opportunity that would not only justify a move but also allow them to refocus their career around this specialism, rather than continuing in a broad, generalist capacity.
Our Approach
Adlestrop Consulting took a targeted and consultative approach, recognising both the candidate’s technical strengths and their career aspirations. Through our deep understanding of the hiring firm and its strategic plans, we were able to present a newly created role that directly aligned with the candidate’s desire to specialise.
The firm had a clear ambition to establish and expand its Transaction Services capability in Birmingham, and this role offered the successful individual the opportunity to take ownership of that growth. For the candidate, this represented a rare chance to step into a position where due diligence would be their primary focus, rather than one part of a wider corporate finance remit.
“Charles’ detailed insight into the firm, its leadership, and its growth plans allowed me to see the broader vision behind the role. This helped me fully understand not just the position itself, but the platform it provided to build a specialist offering in a key regional market.”
Supporting the Process
Throughout the recruitment process, we provided tailored support and guidance. Our familiarity with both the client and the interview process proved particularly valuable during the partner panel stage. We worked closely with the candidate to refine their messaging – ensuring they could clearly demonstrate both their technical expertise in due diligence and their ability to lead and grow a specialist service line.
“Charles’ advice and guidance was valuable to help me prepare for each stage of the process with confidence, reinforcing their alignment with the firm’s ambitions and the strategic importance of the role.”
The Outcome
The candidate successfully secured the position and has since taken on a pivotal role in establishing and developing the firm’s Transaction Services offering in the Midlands. Most importantly, the move has enabled them to refocus their career on due diligence – returning to a specialism where they add the greatest value and have the strongest personal interest.
