Executive Director - Performance Improvement

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

KordaMentha is seeking an Executive Director to lead its Performance Improvement practice in Melbourne, guiding high‑impact engagements, advising at board and C‑suite level, and driving measurable improvements in profitability, cash flow and operational performance. This role demands a highly commercial leader with deep financial operations expertise, a rigorous data‑led approach, and a proven ability to translate complex insights into decisive action while originating opportunities and building senior client relationships. You will own engagement economics, lead transformation delivery, and develop teams to sustain performance gains. Ideal candidates have 12+ years in professional services, board‑level influence, strong analytical and communication skills, and willingness to travel. To apply, showcase quantifiable outcomes, leadership, commercial discipline, and alignment with our inclusive, development‑driven culture.

Company Description

Since 2002, KordaMentha has been entrusted with some of the region’s most complex and sensitive commercial situations. We are an advisory and investment firm at heart, helping corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value. 

Fiercely independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our diverse experience – from finance and real estate to law enforcement and the c-suite – enables us to make a difference for our clients across our service offerings in financial crime, forensic, performance improvement, real estate and restructuring.

We provide bold and impactful solutions delivering growth, certainty, and value. There is strength in difference. And we are different.

Join KordaMentha — Where Your Growth Is Our Priority
We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Why Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders
• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave, swap public holidays, and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

Job Description

Our Performance Improvement practice is experiencing sustained growth and is seeking an accomplished Executive Director to play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of the business.

This role requires a highly commercial leader with an exceptional understanding of business financial operations, a rigorous approach to performance analysis, and the ability to translate complex financial and operational insights into decisive, value-creating action.

As an Executive Director, you will lead complex, high-impact engagements, advise at Board and C-suite level, and drive measurable improvements across financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate and lead engagements: Drive business development and senior client relationships, identifying opportunities across financial and operational performance improvement.
• Provide financial and commercial leadership: Advise Boards and C-suite on financial strategy, cash flow, cost structures, and business model optimisation, applying disciplined, data-led insights.
• Lead complex transformation delivery: Diagnose drivers of underperformance across P&L, balance sheet, and operations, delivering measurable improvements in profitability and efficiency.
• Own engagement economics: Ensure strong commercial discipline, with accountability for revenue, margins, and client outcomes.
• Develop market presence: Contribute to thought leadership and strengthen the firm’s position in financial and operational performance improvement.
• Lead and develop teams: Build high-performing teams with strong financial rigour, accountability, and commercial mindset.

What This Role Offers

• Enterprise-level influence with Boards and executives
• High-impact engagements with significant financial and operational outcomes
• Strategic leadership opportunity in a growing practice
• A high-performance, commercially driven environment

Qualifications

As an ideal candidate, you will bring:

• Significant experience (typically 12+ years) in professional services, consulting, or a related environment.
• A proven track record of winning and leading large, complex client engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at Board and C-suite level, influencing senior stakeholders.
• Deep expertise in financial and operational performance improvement, including diagnosing and solving complex business challenges.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience managing engagement economics, revenue growth, and profitability.
• A recognised presence in the market, with established networks and credibility.
• Exceptional leadership capability, including building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Advanced analytical, financial modelling, and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management capability.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Additional Information

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.