M&a and Strategy Consultant

**About Us**

We are a Zürich-based IT strategy and digital transformation consultancy firm servicing large Swiss corporates and scale-ups in highly dynamic technology markets.

We blend academic rigor with practical insight to support data-driven strategic decision-making, especially in turbulent, high-uncertainty environments (e.g., M&A, corporate innovation, ESG adaptation, and digital transformation).

At this time, Krokus IT Services AG is expanding its consulting operations in the Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) advisory domain in Switzerland to help clients acquire and integrate digital capabilities, data platforms, and AI-based products.

This requires exceptionally strong analytical, research-driven expertise at the interface of strategic management, M&A knowledge and expertise, corporate finance, and importantly, technological innovation.

To support this effort, we are looking to strengthen our team with a Strategy Consultant / Strategy Associate who brings a rare mix of academic excellence, regional expertise, quantitative rigor, and a collaborative mindset.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Expert-level knowledge of the intellectual property (IP) rights and assets within corporations. Daily work will require hands-on knowledge of valuation methodologies for IP rights and assets.
- Ability to assess the value of scientific and inventive skills inside innovative companies.
- Design and conduct in-depth strategy analyses on topics such as M&A integration, company valuation, innovation trajectories, IPO planning, top management teams, founder teams.
- Lead data-intensive projects using large-scale proprietary and public datasets (financial, innovation, ESG, HR, etc.).
- Collaborate with clients, academics, and internal stakeholders to translate findings into practical strategic recommendations.
- Develop and deliver workshops, reports, and presentations.
- Contribute to internal knowledge development and mentoring junior staff.
- Support engagement with clients and research partners in the EMEA area, including leveraging regional expertise and language skills.

**Your Profile**

We are looking for a highly specific and exceptional individual with the following **must-have qualifications**:

- A PhD in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Management or a closely related field of social sciences, with strong academic achievements (e.g.,high graduation scores) from a recognized European institution with strong training in empirical research methods, and data processing skills.
- This position will require knowledge of the university infrastructure and funding programs in Switzerland, and Europe. Therefore, knowledge of the (Swiss and European) university system is required. Additionally, previous project funding experience will be preferred.
- Doctoral or postdoctoral experience in Switzerland with a focus on corporate strategy, M&A, IPOs, or innovation.
- A track record of project funding and peer-reviewed publications in academic outlets.
- Experience presenting at top-tier conferences and in front of senior stakeholders.
- 5+ years of university-level teaching experience across Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels in strategic management and international business.
- Thesis supervision and other supervision skills are preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead research teams, organize academic seminars, and teaching.
- Proficiency in Stata, Matlab, R, or Python for empirical analysis.
- Strong command of English; proficiency in German will be preferred.
- Formal training and demonstrated success in negotiation, especially in multi-stakeholder or cross-cultural environments (e.g., academic-industry collaborations, M&A discussions, stakeholder workshops).

**What Sets You Apart**
- You combine **academic excellence with real-world insight**, bringing the ability to think like a scholar and act like a strategist.
- You have built and worked with unique datasets on IPOs, M&A, family firms, and innovation at scale.
- You are an expert in **quantitative strategy research**, yet comfortable in **client-facing, high-stakes negotiation settings**.
- You possess strong communication skills across diverse stakeholder groups and languages, including **English and German**.
- You bring a deep understanding of both **Western and emerging market business ecosystems**.
- You actively seek integration, as demonstrated through **language learning, cultural participation**, and professional involvement in Switzerland.

**We Offer**
- The opportunity to **transition from academia to consulting** without leaving behind the rigor of research.
- A collaborative team with deep respect for evidence-based decision-making.
- Flexible working models (hybrid/remote).
- A role with **strategic growth potential**, including client interaction, research publication, and leadership.

**Application Process**

Please submit:

- Your CV (academic and/or industry)
- A brief cover letter
- Proof of language proficiency
- Two refer