Direct Procurement Optimization for LED Lighting Manufacturer

Service Area: Operations

Client Type: Lower Middle-Market Private Equity Firm

Service Provider Type: Direct Procurement Consultant

Industry: Manufacturing

The Need
Spanish-Speaking Procurement Consultant for Supply Chain Efficiency

A lower middle-market private equity firm required a Spanish-speaking direct procurement consultant with expertise in Mexico to optimize the supply chain strategy of its LED lighting manufacturing portfolio company. The firm sought an advisor with local knowledge and industry expertise to ensure cost-effective sourcing of components.

The Challenge
Aligning Procurement Strategy with Market-Specific Requirements

The portfolio company, a manufacturer of customized architectural LED lighting fixtures, faced challenges in aligning its procurement approach with market-specific needs in Mexico. With made-to-order products for sectors like healthcare, hospitality and education, they needed a targeted procurement strategy to streamline sourcing for improved efficiency and cost savings.

How BluWave Helped
Connecting with Procurement Expertise for Targeted Sourcing Strategy

BluWave quickly connected the PE firm with a direct procurement consultant from its network, experienced in Mexican manufacturing procurement. This expert guided the company through an in-depth assessment of its current procurement structure, enabling the company to refine its strategy for optimal sourcing and better cost management.

The Result
Enhanced Procurement Process with Improved Cost Efficiency

The procurement consultant delivered an actionable plan to streamline the company’s direct sourcing strategy. With this targeted approach, the company improved procurement efficiency and achieved significant cost reductions, positioning it to better meet its production needs and profitability goals.

They use the right tools and communicates well. During the diagnostic phase, facilitation was excellent. The team has been very professional and demonstrated a high level of expertise. Based on the team and the process they use, I am confident we will achieve our improvement goals and I would be very willing to refer.

-CEO at Portfolio Company

Payments Optimization for Wellness Software Company

Service Area: Operations

Client Type: Business Management Software Portfolio Company

Service Provider Type: Indirect Procurement Firm

Industry: Technology – Software

The Need
Optimizing Payment Processor Strategy for Revenue Growth

A software company that serves boutique wellness studios wanted to improve its payment processing strategy. With payments comprising 40 percent of its revenue, the company needed a consultant with deep payments expertise to conduct a thorough assessment, optimize processor arrangements, and manage an RFP process to secure an optimal outcome.

The Challenge
Complex Payment Processor Relationships

The company maintained multiple relationships with payment processors across different regions and wanted to streamline its operations, improve transparency and eliminate extraneous fees. With an upcoming integration with Stripe, they sought to evaluate and potentially restructure their processor relationships, focusing on securing a larger take rate while simplifying their contract landscape.

How BluWave Helped
Connecting with Payments Expertise, Strategic RFP Guidance

BluWave connected the software company within 24 hours with an indirect procurement firm specializing in payments optimization and contract strategy. The advisor reviewed current processor contracts and provided strategic insights into best practices, guiding the client through an RFP process designed to enhance its processor terms and align with long-term revenue goals.

The Result
Enhanced Payments Strategy and Improved Revenue Structure

With the advisor’s help, the company effectively restructured its payment processing arrangements and optimized contract terms. The RFP process attracted competitive offers, positioning the company for improved margins and simplified processor relationships across its primary markets.

Very quick to respond, extremely knowledgeable, and flexible. I would recommend the firm to colleagues. Super knowledge and demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

-Co-Founder, CEO of Portfolio Company

CEO Search for D2C Water Filtration Company

Service Area: Human Capital

Client Type: Lower Middle-Market PE Firm

Service Provider Type: Executive Search Firm – CEO

Industry: Consumer Products

The Need
Confidential CEO Search for D2C Water Filtration Company

A lower middle-market private equity firm required an executive search firm to help identify and place a new CEO for its D2C water filtration portfolio company. The firm needed a leader with experience in PE-backed companies to take over operations and manage growth, as the current CEO’s operational execution was lacking.

The Challenge
Finding CEO with D2C, Water Filtration Experience

The portfolio company operates 100 percent online and sells water filtration systems directly to consumers through digital marketing agencies. The search for a new CEO was highly confidential, and the firm required a candidate with experience in D2C models, and ideally, in the water filtration space. The role demanded someone with the ability to manage the business from day one and oversee a compact executive team.

How BluWave Helped
Connecting Executive Search Firm Specializing in CEO Placements

BluWave quickly connected the PE firm with an executive search firm experienced in recruiting for PE-backed companies in the consumer products space. The search firm provided candidates with the relevant D2C experience, functional expertise, and a background in managing small, highly efficient teams. This enabled the firm to find a CEO capable of leading the company and driving its growth.

The Result
Efficient CEO Search with Top Candidates

The executive search firm identified through BluWave’s network delivered top-tier candidates, ultimately helping the PE firm find the right CEO for its portfolio company. This new leadership positioned the company to capitalize on its D2C business model and execute on its growth strategy in the water filtration market.