Strategy and Transactions- Shareholder Activism Defense- Senior Manager

Job description

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The Shareholder Activism Defense Team sits within EY’s Strategy and Transactions (SaT) practice advising companies on effectively identifying potential areas of vulnerability to shareholder activism and concrete actions that can be taken to mitigate many of those vulnerabilities, as well as providing strategic advice and response coordination in the event that an activist targets the company. This team offers a challenging, dynamic and rewarding opportunity to engage and asset clients during the most challenging of situations. We will leverage EY’s insights on shareholder activists, institutional shareholders, strategy, capital allocation, corporate governance and tools and capabilities from across our firm – including decision modeling, change management, consulting, investment banking and strategic valuation.

The opportunity

As a member of our team, you’ll work with companies across a broad mix sectors and market capitalizations to educate them on the risks of shareholder activism and concrete actions they can take to address some of those risks, including portfolio optimization, capital structure, operational improvement and corporate governance. You will be providing advice to the senior-most members of management and the Board. In addition, you will work with other outside advisors to coordinate the advice being delivered to the client – acting as quarterback during live activism defense situations. During live defense situations you will lead of provide input into various defense deliverables including regulatory filings, press releases, shareholder letters, and presentations to investors. You’ll be working in an intensive learning environment in which you will be a key team member developing bespoke solutions, leveraging EY’s broad array of client-oriented solutions and developing EY’s reputation with clients as their trusted advisor. In return we’ll support you throughout your career and offer you an outstanding environment in which to develop your skills and make an impact. You will have the opportunity to be part of a larger Transactions and Corporate Finance team that creates and delivers broad, analytics-enabled solutions that align to our client’s focus on finance strategy, buy and integrate, sell and separate decisions, and reshaping of results.

What to expect

You will be an expert in Shareholder Activism Defense. As part of a new and innovative group that solves complex and challenging problems, you will provide critical strategic advice to C-suite and Boards during challenging situations. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a culture in which drive, collaboration, enthusiasm, and the willingness to try new methods and approaches are the keys to success.

Your key responsibilities

• You'll lead engagement teams to drive results, and work with your clients on a daily basis. You will take ownership of multiple engagement projects and work collaboratively with other team members.
• You'll serve as a leader and role model for junior members of the team by developing, training, and mentoring team members at the Staff, Senior, and Manager levels.
• Research, review and analyze complex materials relating to shareholder activism, corporate governance and trading activity
• Analyze shareholder base and trading trends, shareholder profiles and corporate vulnerability, with a focus on company charter and bylaws
• Demonstrate teamwork and responsibility with engagement team members
• Demonstrate in-depth technical capabilities and professional knowledge
• Maintain long-term client relationships and networks

To qualify for the role you must have

• A minimum of 6 – 10 years’ experience advising companies primarily in relation to shareholder activism
• Significant experience / comfort with providing advice directly to C-suite / board
• Track record of taking a leading role in executing shareholder activism defense assignments
• Knowledge of the shareholder activism defense advisory ecosystem and relationships with key 3rd party advisors (PR, proxy solicitors, law firms, investment banks, etc)
• Ability to work independently to identify and prioritize deliverables as well as staff out discreet assignments to junior team members in support of ultimate deliverable
• A strong work ethic, strong communications skills, and demonstrate an ability to work in a dynamic environment full of new challenges and ideas
• The flexibility and the willingness to travel as necessary

What we look for

We’re interested in people who are rigorous in their thought processes, are able to work under pressure and multitask, and are committed to meeting deadlines. You’ll also need plenty of enthusiasm, positivity and energy, paired with a thirst to learn. So, if you’re ready to bring eagerness and new perspectives, you’re a perfect fit for the Shareholder Activism team.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.

EY | Building a better working world

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer providing equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.