A leading professional services firm is expanding its Consumer & Retail Strategy and Commercial Due Diligence team and is seeking an Associate Director to play a senior role in delivery and team leadership.The teamThe Consumer & Retail team sits within a wider Deals and Strategy platform and advises private equity, corporates and founders across retail, consumer goods, leisure and digitally enabled consumer businesses. The group works closely with M&A, Transaction Services and Value Creation colleagues, delivering integrated support across the deal lifecycle. The practice is growing rapidly, with strong partner sponsorship and a clear ambition to build a market-leading Consumer & Retail franchise.The roleAs Associate Director, you will lead CDD and growth strategy engagements, acting as a senior day-to-day client contact while supporting Directors and Partners on origination, practice development and team growth. You will help shape the Consumer & Retail proposition, contribute to thought leadership, and play a key role in developing junior talent.Key responsibilitiesLead multiple Consumer & Retail CDD and strategy workstreams end-to-endManage teams and ensure high-quality, insight-led outputsSupport Directors and Partners with business development and market scanningBuild trusted relationships with clients, investors and internal stakeholdersContribute to methodology development, innovation and thought leadershipSupport recruitment, training, mentoring and performance managementTake responsibility for risk, compliance and ethical deliveryCandidate profileStrong experience delivering Commercial Due Diligence and growth strategy projectsClear Consumer, Retail, FMCG or Leisure sector focusProven team leadership and stakeholder management skillsExposure to business development and client relationship supportComfortable operating in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment #J-18808-Ljbffr