Due Diligence Specialist - Equipment Audit and Valuation

VDS Consulting Group•San Francisco, CA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Due Diligence Specialist - Equipment Audit and Valuation/Capex Review (Industrial Manufacturing Acquisition) Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Due Diligence Specialist for an immediate, short-term contract role on our Value Driven Solutions Due Diligence project. This critical assignment supports a potential acquisition in the industrial manufacturing sector, focusing on comprehensive equipment audits, asset valuations, and capital expenditure (Capex) reviews. The role demands a proactive expert capable of delivering actionable insights to inform high-stakes investment decisions. If you excel in technical analysis, fieldwork, and producing polished, executive-level reports, this is your opportunity to make an immediate impact. This is an urgent need with an immediate start. The project requires travel to 4 sites across the United States (specific locations to be disclosed upon selection, but expect a mix of Midwest and East Coast facilities). Travel expenses will be fully reimbursed. Estimated duration: 4-6 weeks, with potential for extension based on project needs.

Requirements

Technical Expertise: Proven experience in equipment auditing and valuation within industrial manufacturing (e.g., machinery, production lines, heavy equipment). Strong knowledge of valuation methodologies (e.g., cost approach, market approach, income approach) and Capex analysis, including ROI calculations, budgeting, and forecasting.
Due Diligence Proficiency: Hands-on experience conducting due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or investments, with a focus on operational and financial assessments. Ability to spot value drivers, risks, and synergies in manufacturing environments.
Analytical Skills: Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, financial modeling software) to evaluate asset performance, maintenance records, and Capex trends. Familiarity with industry-specific metrics like OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and lifecycle costing.
Fieldwork and Travel Readiness: Comfortable with extensive on-site work, including physical inspections of equipment in industrial settings. Must be available for immediate travel to multiple US locations.
Communication and Reporting Mastery: Exceptional ability to write detailed, insightful reports and deliver high-impact outbriefs. Reports must be structured for executive audiences, incorporating data visualizations, executive summaries, and actionable recommendations. Prior experience producing acquisition due diligence reports is highly preferred.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field; advanced certifications (e.g., ASA for appraisals, CFA, or PE) are a plus. Minimum 5+ years in due diligence, auditing, or valuation roles within manufacturing or consulting firms.
Soft Skills: Detail-oriented, independent worker with strong problem-solving abilities. Ability to thrive under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with industrial sectors such as automotive, aerospace, chemicals, or heavy machinery.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance in manufacturing (e.g., environmental, safety standards).
Familiarity with software tools like SAP, Oracle, or specialized valuation platforms.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site equipment audits at manufacturing facilities, assessing condition, functionality, maintenance history, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA).
Perform detailed asset valuations, including fair market value assessments, replacement cost analysis, and depreciation modeling.
Review and analyze Capex plans, historical expenditures, and future projections to identify risks, efficiencies, and value-creation opportunities.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., finance, operations, legal) to gather data and validate findings during the due diligence process for a potential acquisition.
Identify potential red flags, such as equipment obsolescence, underutilized assets, or overstated Capex budgets, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Prepare and deliver an exceptional outbrief presentation to stakeholders, summarizing key findings, risks, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and visually compelling manner.
Author a comprehensive final report that synthesizes all audit and valuation data, providing strategic insights to drive value-driven solutions—exceptional writing and report structuring skills are paramount for success in this role.