Director (Coverage) in Manchester

What we believe Technology is no longer just an enabler of business strategy. It is the business strategy. And with AI reshaping how companies operate, compete and grow — while rapidly accelerating the pace of change — the stakes have never been higher.

Our role We’re focused on helping private equity investors and portfolio company leaders drive value creation through technology. In a world where investors deploy trillions annually into software and tech-enabled businesses, we're the team that makes sure the underlying technology actually delivers.

Our approach The expert judgment of our experienced practitioners is complemented by proven frameworks, tech-enabled solutions, and objective data to help organizations navigate critical technology decisions across diligence, transformation, growth, cybersecurity, AI, and operational execution.

What we value Everything we do is grounded in five core values: Service. Curiosity. Credibility. Commitment. Creativity. If you're energized by solving complex technology challenges and helping others succeed in critical moments, you'll fit right in.

Job Role This Role is a unique opportunity to join a fast-growing firm at an inflection point and help shape the future of Crosslake in EMEA. As a Director in our Coverage team, you won't just be managing client relationships. You'll be building them from the ground up, operating with real autonomy, and working at the intersection of private equity, technology transformation and — increasingly — AI-driven disruption. The market context has never been more interesting: deal activity is recovering, AI is forcing every portfolio company to rethink its tech strategy, and clients need advisors who can cut through the noise. This is an entrepreneurial role. You'll own relationships, develop new business, shape engagement strategy and contribute to how we evolve our service offering in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and expand relationships with top-tier Private Equity clients, Portfolio Companies and Advisors to drive business growth.
• Scope engagements by collaborating with clients to understand their needs and bring Crosslake’s diverse technical capabilities to drive tangible outcomes and solve real problems.
• Lead client-facing project teams to deliver projects that meet their objectives on time and on budget (accountable for internal budgeting, scheduling and resource utilization).
• Participate in and drive company-wide strategy and vision discussions.
• Lead specific product/practice areas, including setting roadmaps/plans and contributing to the evolution of templates and artifacts.
• Onboard and sponsor new practitioners, including interviewing practitioner candidates and helping make engagement determinations.
• Approve SOWs, budgets and timesheets for accuracy and reasonableness.
• Serve as project lead or second on engagements as needed.
• Participate in sales calls/SOW writing as needed.

Requirements

• Entrepreneurial DNA with clear ownership of client satisfaction in relation to project execution.
• Exceptional communicator and listener, particularly with clients and prospects (i.e., strong interpersonal and presentation skills).
• Knack for establishing “trusted advisor” relationship with clients and demonstrated ability to own the strategic development of such relationships independently.
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset with exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Extraordinary time management and organizational skills with an ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Deep familiarity with modern technology stacks, enterprise IT, AI and disruptive technologies and how they might shape the future landscape / competitive environment.
• Ability to demonstrate a balance of client understanding and technical competency to properly frame a compelling engagement.
• Mindset of approaching critical tasks with drive and energy, with an eye on the bottom line and an emphasis on predictable completion.
• Team player who will work across the firm to continue improving the way we serve our clients, including exuding a natural tendency to “roll up one’s sleeves” and assist wherever needed.
• Coachable and embracing of best practices and feedback as a means of continuous improvement.
• Professional services firm experience at manager level or more senior, ideally with tech and/or PE specific focus.
• Demonstrated history of excellence in people management.

In addition to meeting the bar above, we're looking for individuals who show a clear spike of excellence in at least one of: Creating, Scoping or Delivering in Technical Due Diligence and Value Creation — alongside a baseline ability to cultivate and grow client relationships.

• Creating – Shape / create opportunity for Crosslake rather than just responding to client asks (proactively developing growth within greenfield and underpenetrated relationships); actively manage relationships to ensure clients benefit from Crosslake’s comprehensive services, balancing commercial acumen with partner mindset, doing what’s right for the client above all; strategically drive relationships with adjacent providers (banking, legal, QoE, etc.) to grow awareness of how Crosslake serves their clients.
• Scoping – Demonstrate a balance of client understanding and technical competency to properly frame a compelling engagement, whether a common Crosslake offer or bespoke deliverable.
• Delivering – Execute with excellence in 3 areas: developing technical insights, conveying those insights’ strategic impact on a business (i.e., generating Partner- / CxO- / Board-level “so what” insights), and managing a project (attention to detail, excellent communication, proactive mindset, etc.).