Role Overview for VP of Operations – PE-Backed Business Services Platform
The Vice President of Operations will be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, responsible for the entire operational landscape of the organization. This executive will translate the company’s strategic objectives and the private equity sponsor’s value creation plan into a tangible, executable operational strategy. Your primary mission will be to build a best-in-class, scalable, and highly efficient operational foundation that supports rapid growth, enhances profitability, and delivers an exceptional customer experience.
You will be entrusted with full ownership of service delivery, process optimization, technology implementation, supply chain management (if applicable), customer support, and quality assurance. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight and tactical execution. You will spend time analyzing data and developing long-term plans, but you will be equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves to diagnose process bottlenecks, mentor frontline managers, and lead change management initiatives across the organization. Success in this role will be measured by clear, quantifiable improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) such as gross margin, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction (NPS), and employee engagement. You will be instrumental in professionalizing the organization and preparing it for a successful exit within the PE investment horizon.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Operations – PE-Backed Business Services Platform
The VP of Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Planning & Execution
Collaborate with the CEO, CFO, and PE sponsor to develop and execute the annual operating plan. Translate the investment thesis into actionable operational goals, initiatives, and metrics. Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring alignment with financial targets and strategic priorities.
Operational Excellence and Process Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all operational functions. Identify, analyze, and re-engineer core business processes to eliminate waste, reduce costs, and improve quality and speed. Implement frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive a culture of operational excellence and data-driven decision-making.
Scalability and Infrastructure Development
Design and build an operational infrastructure—including people, processes, and technology—that can support 3-5x growth over the investment period. Evaluate and implement new technologies and systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, WMS) to automate processes and provide critical business intelligence.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations organization. Attract and retain top-tier talent. Establish clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance. Structure the operations team for scalability and future growth.
Performance Management & KPI Reporting
Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive set of operational KPIs. Prepare and present regular performance reports and dashboards to the executive team and the Board of Directors, providing insights, analysis, and recommendations for improvement.
M&A Integration
Play a key role in the due diligence and post-acquisition integration of target companies. Develop and execute a repeatable integration playbook to seamlessly merge operations, systems, and cultures, ensuring synergy targets are met and value is created.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a critical partner to leaders in Sales, Marketing, Finance, and HR. Ensure tight alignment between operations and commercial activities to support new business growth and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Customer Experience Management
Own the end-to-end customer journey from an operational perspective. Implement processes and metrics to ensure a consistent, high-quality service delivery that enhances customer loyalty and retention.
Requirements for the VP of Operations – PE-Backed Business Services Platform
The ideal candidate will be a proven operational leader with a demonstrable history of driving growth and profitability in a complex, fast-paced environment. Specific qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or similar) overseeing a significant P&L and a large, distributed team.
Private Equity Environment
Must have direct and recent experience working within a private equity-backed company. A deep understanding of the pace, metrics-driven nature, and value creation focus of PE is essential.
Industry Background
Significant experience in a business services industry is highly preferred. This includes, but is not limited to, facilities management, professional services, tech-enabled services, or B2B outsourced services.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Proven, hands-on experience leading the operational integration of multiple acquired companies is a strong requirement.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Technical Skills
Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of P&L management. Expertise in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification is a plus). Advanced proficiency with data analysis and business intelligence tools.
Leadership Qualities
An authentic and inspirational leader who can build and motivate high-performing teams. A strategic thinker with a bias for action and a hands-on, “in the trenches” mentality.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the board room to the front lines.
Personal Attributes
High-energy, resilient, and results-oriented. Possesses a strong sense of urgency and the ability to thrive in an ambiguous, rapidly changing environment. Unquestionable integrity and ethics.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-caliber executive. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A strong base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant, performance-based annual bonus tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Meaningful Equity Participation
A substantial equity grant, providing the opportunity for life-changing wealth creation upon a successful exit. This aligns the VP of Operations directly with the PE sponsor and management team.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous vacation policy, in addition to company holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continued learning, executive coaching, and professional development to support your growth.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a results-driven operations executive with a passion for building great companies and a proven track record in a private equity setting, we want to hear from you.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is a leader in retained executive search for high-growth companies. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our dedicated Private Equity executive search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
