Managing Director, Head of Americas People & Change

About the Opportunity:

FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications segment is looking for an experienced communications, culture and change management professional with impeccable leadership, commercial and delivery skills and a track record of business development to lead its growing People & Change practice in the Americas. The successful candidate is likely to have worked at a senior level for specialist and other consulting firms or agencies as well as working in-house for one or more reputable organizations.

The Americas Head-People & Change will drive growth in the business by developing and articulating the US business strategy in alignment with the global strategy, taking risks and driving innovation, making strategic investments while operating profitably over time, and ensuring excellent quality work. The Americas Head-People & Change participates as a member of the broader global People & Change leadership team and the Strategic Communications-Americas leadership team.

From a people perspective, you will have the opportunity to work with and further build a strong team and culture already in place. We are looking for a leader who will develop talent and mentor others while marketing the practice, cultivating current and new clients, and leveraging your own skills and experience as well as those of others. This leader will have oversight of and accountability for hiring, staffing, succession planning, career development and effective performance management, while promoting a high-performance culture. You will bring demonstrable expertise and experience beyond traditional internal communications in working strategically and practically to help clients navigate and meet people-related challenges in times of change.

A Day in the Life as Americas Head-People & Change Practice…

In this role, you will be focused on leading transformation engagements (merger integration, restructuring, performance improvement, leadership transition, cultural alignment, etc.) through delivery of strategic communications and change management programs. Your passion for the employee (internal) audience, deep subject matter expertise and high level of business acumen will make you a trusted advisor to senior-level client executives and FTI colleagues, as well as a key driver of the growth of the practice with a strong emphasis on revenue generation and people management. You will work collaboratively and seamlessly with colleagues in other Strategic Communications teams and from other FTI business segments and geographies. The keys to your success will be high credibility, outstanding experience in some areas of the practice and a willingness to leave your ego at the door.

Reporting jointly to the Head of the Americas and the Global Head-People and Change, you should be confident in an entrepreneurial environment, with the ability to bring in and build strong client relationships, lead diverse client delivery teams, and direct and lead practice initiatives. You will also contribute to thought leadership; inspire, manage and be accountable for the success of a multi-geography team; work in counterpart with other key regions to build a global offer; and actively manage the operations of the practice.

Client Delivery

• Build the business through excellent client service, business and relationship development

• Develop and manage organizational change communication and change management strategies and tactics with experience in transformation, M&A, merger integration or other "event-driven," high intensity work

• Provide clients well-informed counsel to achieve their critical business goals and success factors

• Establish a firm understanding of each client’s business and market

• Manage project budgets, ensure timely and accurate billing, and be accountable on client account profitability

• Work with colleagues in other Practices, Sectors and Segments to ensure the execution of a cohesive overall communications program

• Ensure FTI provides a level of client service that is gold standard and differentiated from the competition

Business Development

• Maintain strong client focus in developing business growth strategy while managing through market fluctuations

• Increase cross-segment, cross-practice and cross-sector opportunities, along with international integration within all of FTI

• Lead, sell, and create new client accounts and expand existing client base across practices, sectors and regions

• Actively participate with Business Leaders to develop and promote long-term, global business growth strategy

• Motivate others to discover new opportunities and generate breakthrough solutions for clients and the firm

• Anticipate the evolution and the future of the industry and how FTI must adapt to these changes in order to sustain competitive advantage

Practice Leadership

• Build a high-performance culture to promote collaboration and respect across levels, teams, segments and geographies

• Consistently seek ways to improve client service, firm offerings and firm-oriented initiatives

• Support thought leadership and explore emerging trends and issues where there is an impact on communications and strategy execution

• Manage and develop staff; serve as a mentor and manager on client accounts and firm initiatives

• Work with global head and US-based and international senior colleagues to foster an effective global model for Strategic Communications and FTI as a whole

What are we looking for?

• BA or BS from an accredited college or university, MBA preferred

• Change Management and HR qualification/certification preferred

• 20+ years of relevant experience in communications and change management, with a firm understanding of the management consulting world

• Proven people/team management skills and experience

• Proven ability to build and maintain a pipeline of new business leads and win new accounts and projects

• Proven ability to lead and manage effective cross-geography and multi-cultural teams with a strong focus on coaching and mentoring talent

• Proven ability to work across disciplines including Communications, Employee Engagement, Change Management and HR

What else are we looking for?

• Service-oriented attitude with a strong work ethic and an ability to be a self-starter

• Strong time and priority management skills and ability to manage the ongoing workflow of the practice

• A high level of integrity and sensitivity to confidential information

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills

• Ability and willingness to travel