Role Overview for Operating Partner – Middle-Market Private Equity Firm
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented middle-market private equity firm in their search for a highly experienced and results-driven Operating Partner. Our client has a distinguished track record of successfully investing in and growing businesses across various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, business services, consumer products, and technology. They are renowned for their collaborative approach, working closely with management teams to build lasting value. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and successful investment team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its portfolio companies.
The Operating Partner is a critical senior member of the firm, acting as the bridge between investment strategy and operational execution. Unlike traditional finance-focused roles, this position is fundamentally about hands-on value creation. You will be responsible for driving significant operational improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and enhanced profitability across a diverse portfolio of middle-market companies. This role requires a unique blend of C-level executive leadership, deep functional expertise, and a private equity mindset. You will work post-acquisition, partnering with portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams to develop and execute ambitious value creation plans that lead to superior returns for investors. The ideal candidate is a former CEO, COO, or senior executive with a demonstrable history of transformative leadership and a passion for building great businesses.
Success in this role means moving beyond theoretical frameworks and diving deep into the operational realities of each business. You will diagnose complex challenges, identify untapped opportunities, and implement pragmatic solutions that drive tangible EBITDA growth and enterprise value. This is not a consulting role; it is a hands-on leadership position where you will be expected to roll up your sleeves, mentor executive teams, and be accountable for delivering measurable results from the factory floor to the boardroom. You will serve as a trusted advisor, a strategic thought partner, and a catalyst for change, ensuring that each portfolio company achieves its full potential prior to a successful exit.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner – Middle-Market Private Equity Firm
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and strategic, touching every phase of the investment lifecycle from due diligence to exit. Key duties include:
Operational Due Diligence
Collaborate closely with the deal team during the pre-acquisition phase. You will lead the operational diligence stream, which includes assessing the target company’s operational capabilities, identifying key risks and opportunities, evaluating the strength of the management team, and pressure-testing the operational assumptions within the investment thesis. This involves site visits, management interviews, and deep analysis of operational data to formulate a preliminary view on potential value creation levers.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development
Immediately following an acquisition, you will lead the development of a comprehensive 100-Day Plan and a long-term strategic VCP in partnership with the portfolio company’s management team. This plan will serve as the roadmap for growth and improvement, outlining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) initiatives. These initiatives may span areas such as:
- Go-to-Market Strategy: Sales force effectiveness, channel strategy, pricing optimization, and digital marketing enhancement.
- Operational Excellence: Lean manufacturing implementation, supply chain optimization, procurement savings, and working capital reduction.
- Technology & Digital Transformation: ERP system implementation or optimization, data analytics capabilities, and adoption of new technologies to create competitive advantage.
- Organizational Development: Talent assessment, executive team coaching, and strategic hiring for key positions.
VCP Execution and Portfolio Company Leadership
Act as the primary conduit between the private equity firm and portfolio company leadership for all operational matters. You will actively oversee the implementation of the VCP, holding management teams accountable for their commitments. This involves chairing regular performance review meetings, providing hands-on support for critical projects, and acting as a mentor and coach to the CEO and other senior executives. Your role is to empower the management team while ensuring rigorous execution and alignment with the investment thesis.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Establish a robust framework of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress against the VCP and the company’s financial plan. You will be responsible for analyzing performance, identifying deviations, and working with management to develop corrective action plans. You will also prepare and present regular operational performance updates to the firm’s investment committee and, at times, its Limited Partners.
Functional Expertise and Best Practice Sharing
Serve as a subject matter expert in your area of deep functional expertise (e.g., manufacturing, commercial operations, technology). You will leverage this knowledge to solve specific challenges within portfolio companies. Furthermore, you will be responsible for identifying and disseminating best practices across the entire portfolio, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and creating a network effect that benefits all investments.
Talent and Human Capital Management
Play a crucial role in assessing the capabilities of existing management teams and identifying talent gaps. You will assist in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of key C-level executives for portfolio companies, ensuring that each company has the leadership required to execute its growth plan.
Exit Planning and Support
As a portfolio company approaches a potential exit, you will work closely with the deal team and management to prepare the business for sale or IPO. This includes ensuring the sustainability of operational improvements, helping to craft the growth story for potential buyers, and participating in the final stages of the sale process to maximize shareholder value. This is a critical part of the overall private equity industry value chain.
Requirements for the Operating Partner – Middle-Market Private Equity Firm
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and enterprise growth. We are seeking an individual with the following qualifications:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive professional experience, including significant time spent in a senior P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) within a middle-market company. Experience leading a business through a period of significant transformation or growth is essential.
Private Equity or Consulting Background
Prior experience working as an Operating Partner, in a portfolio operations group at a private equity firm, or as a senior manager/partner at a top-tier management consulting firm with a focus on operational improvement is highly desirable. This experience ensures familiarity with the pace, rigor, and value-creation mindset of the private equity environment.
Demonstrable Track Record of Value Creation
A clear and quantifiable history of driving significant improvements in revenue, profitability (EBITDA), and cash flow. Candidates must be able to articulate specific examples of how they have successfully implemented strategic and operational initiatives that resulted in tangible financial results.
Deep Functional Expertise
Spike capabilities in one or more core business functions, such as commercial operations (sales and marketing), manufacturing/supply chain, technology/digital, or finance. The ability to be a credible, hands-on expert is critical for building trust with management teams.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial statements and key business drivers. Must be able to connect operational initiatives directly to their impact on the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. An MBA from a leading business school is strongly preferred.
Exceptional Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Superior executive presence with the ability to influence, persuade, and build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from shop-floor employees to C-suite executives and board members. The ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority is paramount.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Mindset
A data-driven, hypothesis-led approach to identifying problems and developing solutions. Must be comfortable with ambiguity and capable of making sound judgments with incomplete information.
High-Energy and Resilient
A self-starter with a strong work ethic, a sense of urgency, and the resilience to navigate the challenges inherent in transforming businesses. Must be willing and able to travel extensively to portfolio company locations as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent, including:
- A competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial carried interest allocation in the firm’s fund, providing a direct and meaningful stake in the success of the investments you help manage.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer matching contribution.
- A professional development budget to support continuous learning, conference attendance, and executive education.
- Access to an exclusive network of industry leaders and executives.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), holiday schedule, and comprehensive parental leave policies.
- An opportunity to make a significant impact and share in the financial rewards of building successful companies.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to manage this critical search. We are seeking a world-class executive to fill this pivotal role and drive the next phase of our client’s growth. If you are a transformative operational leader with a passion for value creation and a track record of success, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Interested candidates should connect with our dedicated private equity executive search team for more information. We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can contribute to our client’s continued success.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
