Customer Type: Private and Public Companies
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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
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 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.
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 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
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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
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 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.
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.
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
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Interim Leadership for Manufacturing Company Amid Operational Strain
Service Area: Human Capital
Client Type: Private Equity Firm
Service Provider Type: Interim Leadership – COO
Industry: Manufacturing
A private equity firm needed an interim COO for its recently acquired manufacturing portfolio company in the Southwest U.S. The company faced significant operational strain due to leadership vacancies and increased demand, leading to production delays and growing backlogs.
The departure of the director of operations and other key personnel left the company struggling to keep up with production demands. The CEO was overwhelmed, handling tasks beyond his scope while also focusing on critical product development. The firm needed an interim leader to stabilize operations and alleviate the pressure on the existing team.
BluWave connected the private equity firm within 24 hours with a shortlist of qualified interim COO candidates experienced in assembly, metal fabrication and electronics manufacturing. These candidates were capable of quickly integrating into the company, addressing operational inefficiencies, and supporting the team during the transition.
The interim COO selected from BluWave’s short list quickly identified key operational challenges and implemented solutions to reduce backlogs and improve productivity. This allowed the CEO to focus on product development while ensuring the company’s manufacturing operations remained on track.
You came out of the gate very strong with quickly identified qualified candidates. We would absolutely work together again on a future search
-Partner at PE Firm