Many UK businesses are facing increasing pressure from market volatility and rising costs. The role of a corporate restructuring professional has had to adapt to these changes with the role becoming far more proactive and forward-thinking than ever before.
As a corporate restructuring recruitment agency, we always have our ear to the ground on the latest restructuring trends impacting the job market. This shift towards proactive restructuring is becoming more and more valuable to the success of business rescue and financial stability. But what exactly do we mean by proactive restructuring?
Read this blog to find out.
What is Proactive Restructuring?
Quite simply, proactive restructuring is a type of restructuring that moves away from being a reaction to financial hardship or as an alternative to liquidation.
General companies restructure when they have no other choice. Typically this means slashing costs, laying off employees, or closing underperforming divisions in an attempt to survive.
However, proactive restructuring is not driven by financial hardship. But rather by a strategic desire to optimise operations, drive growth, and improve long-term competitiveness.
And it’s fast becoming one of the restructuring trends that many businesses are prescribing to.
Forward-thinking companies are recognising the benefits of restructuring their operations before they hit financial trouble.
It’s a way for companies to align their business with new realities and demands of the current market. This type of restructuring takes a more holistic approach. One that aims to improve the company’s overall value and sustainability rather than simply ensuring its survival.
Current Restructuring Trends
To understand the impact of proactive restructuring on your career, it’s essential to look at the broader trends shaping the restructuring industry.
One of the most significant factors is the economic turbulence caused by rising interest rates, inflation, and global supply chain disruptions. These issues are pushing companies to reevaluate how they operate and where they can become more efficient.
At the same time, digital transformation is accelerating across all industries. Companies that once saw digitalisation as a future goal are now prioritising it as a critical component of their restructuring strategies.
ESG concerns are also a major driver of this change. With the world pushing for greater sustainability and social responsibility, it is forcing companies to rethink their operations and divest in areas that are at odds with these principles.
Want to hear more about restructuring trends?
Then read our blog on factors affecting the financial markets and what trends we see developing in both insolvency and restructuring and the M&A industry.
If you want to find out more about your salary expectations then download our insolvency and restructuring salary guide.
What This Means for Your Restructuring Career
So, what does this shift towards proactive restructuring mean for you as a corporate restructuring professional?
If you’re looking to build a successful career in corporate restructuring, then understanding how this trend is shaping what hiring managers are looking for is crucial.
1. Looking at the Big Picture
In a world where proactive restructuring is becoming the norm, professionals need to demonstrate strategic thinking more than ever. Companies want candidates who can look beyond the immediate financials and see the bigger picture.
You need to understand how restructuring can drive long-term growth, not just reduce costs. Hiring managers are seeking professionals who can anticipate market shifts and help companies position themselves for future success.
2. Industry-Specific Knowledge
While general restructuring skills are essential, industry-specific expertise can set you apart. Different sectors face unique challenges and opportunities, whether it’s the rapid digitisation of retail, ESG pressures in oil and gas, or supply chain issues in manufacturing.
Understanding the nuances of an industry, and how proactive restructuring can address its specific challenges, will make you a more attractive candidate for roles in these specialised sectors.
3. Digital Transformation Skills
As companies integrate more technology into their operations, digital transformation skills are becoming a core requirement in restructuring roles.
Professionals with experience in implementing new technologies and driving digital transformation projects forward are now highly sought after.
4. ESG Expertise
With the growing emphasis on ESG, hiring managers are increasingly looking for restructuring professionals who can integrate sustainability into their strategies.
This means understanding how to divest non-sustainable assets, align businesses with ESG goals, and improve overall performance on environmental and social metrics are all vital – and could be the main decider in landing your next role.
How to Leverage These Trends in Your Job Search
If you’re looking to take the next step in your restructuring career, understanding these trends can give you a significant advantage.
Here are a few of our expert tips on how you can position yourself for success:
Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Emphasising your ability to think strategically and your experience in long-term planning and transformation projects will demonstrate to hiring managers that you have the skills needed to excel in the position.
Highlight Your Digital and ESG Skills
If you’ve been involved in digital transformation or ESG-related restructuring, make these stand out on your CV. These are areas of increasing importance in proactive restructuring and are highly valued.
Demonstrate Your Industry-Specific Expertise
Tailor your CV to highlight your knowledge and experience of industry-specific challenges. When preparing your interview, remember to have specific examples of how you’ve successfully navigated these issues and delivered results. This will ensure hiring managers see your value within their specific industry and give you that competitive edge.
Looking for a New Role?
If you’re a restructuring professional ready to explore new opportunities, our expert recruitment team can help.
At Gambit Search, we have decades of experience in corporate restructuring recruitment and long-standing relationships with key decision-makers in the industry.
Whether you’re looking for a role that aligns with your current skill set or seeking to take on more responsibility, we can match you with the best opportunities on the market.
So what are you waiting for?
Get in touch here or give us a call at 0203 633 2500 and take the next exciting step in your restructuring career. Or browse our latest job roles here.eith
