Role Overview for Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, middle-market Private Equity group in their search for a distinguished Operating Partner specializing in the Industrials sector. Based in the strategic hub of Houston, TX, this role is a cornerstone of the firm’s value creation strategy. The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a profound track record of driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and transformative change within industrial businesses.
This is not a traditional corporate role; it is a dynamic, hands-on position that combines the strategic oversight of a board member with the tactical execution of a C-suite leader. You will be a critical partner to both the investment team and the leadership of portfolio companies, acting as the catalyst for realizing the full potential of each investment.
The firm has a long and successful history of investing in and growing companies across various industrial sub-sectors, including but not limited to specialty manufacturing, value-added distribution, industrial services, and engineered products. As the Operating Partner, you will be instrumental from the late stages of due diligence through to a successful exit.
You will be tasked with identifying operational levers for growth, developing and implementing robust value creation plans (VCPs), and mentoring executive teams to build sustainable, market-leading enterprises. Your role will directly influence investment outcomes and contribute significantly to the firm’s overall success. This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your extensive operational and leadership experience across a diverse portfolio of companies, making a tangible impact on their trajectory while participating in the significant financial upside you help create.
We are seeking a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, results-driven environment and possesses the unique ability to build credibility and influence change across multiple organizations simultaneously. Your expertise will be the bridge between financial engineering and operational reality, ensuring that investment theses are not just concepts on paper but are translated into actionable, profitable strategies.
If you are a transformative leader with a passion for building great industrial businesses and a desire to work alongside a top-tier investment team, this opportunity in the heart of America’s industrial corridor represents a career-defining move.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Houston, TX
The Operating Partner will have a broad and impactful set of responsibilities, spanning the entire investment lifecycle. You will function as a strategic advisor, a hands-on implementer, and a mentor to leadership teams across the portfolio.
Pre-Acquisition & Due Diligence
Operational Due Diligence
Collaborate closely with the deal team to conduct comprehensive operational assessments of potential acquisition targets. Evaluate manufacturing processes, supply chain resilience, organizational structure, technology stacks, and capital expenditure plans.
Thesis Validation
Pressure-test the operational assumptions within the investment thesis. Identify key risks, untapped opportunities for improvement, and potential synergies.
Value Creation Planning
Develop preliminary 100-day plans and long-term value creation roadmaps for target companies, quantifying the potential impact of operational initiatives on EBITDA and enterprise value.
Integration Strategy
For add-on acquisitions, lead the development of detailed pre-close integration plans to ensure a seamless and value-accretive combination post-close.
Post-Acquisition & Portfolio Value Creation
Leadership & Strategy Implementation
Work directly with portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams to refine and execute strategic plans. This includes facilitating annual planning sessions, setting ambitious but achievable KPIs, and establishing a rigorous operating cadence.
Operational Excellence Initiatives
Serve as the subject matter expert and lead the implementation of best-in-class operational practices. This includes deploying methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, optimizing supply chains, improving procurement strategies, enhancing sales and operations planning (S&OP), and driving manufacturing efficiency.
Commercial Growth Acceleration
Partner with management to identify and execute top-line growth strategies, such as new market entry, pricing optimization, sales force effectiveness programs, and new product development.
Capital Projects & Footprint Optimization
Provide oversight and guidance on major capital expenditure projects, facility consolidations, and network optimization to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Digital Transformation
Guide portfolio companies in leveraging technology and data analytics to improve decision-making, automate processes, and create a competitive advantage.
Talent & Organizational Development
Management Assessment
Conduct thorough assessments of existing leadership teams and identify any gaps in talent or capabilities required to execute the value creation plan.
Executive Coaching & Mentorship
Act as a trusted advisor and coach to C-suite executives, providing guidance on leadership challenges, strategic decisions, and professional development.
Recruitment & Onboarding
Assist in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of key senior-level hires within portfolio companies, ensuring alignment with the company culture and strategic objectives.
Governance & Reporting
Board Participation
Serve as an active and influential member on the Board of Directors for multiple portfolio companies, providing governance, oversight, and strategic direction.
Performance Monitoring
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics. Work with management teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting to the firm and address any performance deviations.
Exit Preparedness
As an investment matures, work with the deal team and management to prepare the company for a successful sale process, ensuring operational and financial data is pristine and the growth story is compelling.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Houston, TX
The ideal candidate is a proven operational leader with a deep understanding of the private equity landscape and a passion for driving change. The requirements for this role are rigorous, reflecting its seniority and impact.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience, including at least 5-10 years in a significant P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) within an industrial manufacturing, distribution, or services company of relevant scale ($100M – $1B+ in revenue).
Sector Expertise
Deep and demonstrable expertise within the Industrials sector. Candidates must have hands-on experience and a strong network in areas such as specialty chemicals, engineered products, industrial technology, automation, or value-added distribution.
Private Equity Environment
Prior experience working as an Operating Partner, Operating Advisor, or a C-level executive within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. A thorough understanding of the pace, metrics, and value creation levers in a PE context is essential.
Functional Mastery
Proven mastery of operational improvement toolkits and methodologies. Candidates should be able to articulate specific examples of driving significant improvements in areas such as lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing, and commercial excellence.
Financial Acumen
A strong command of corporate finance and accounting principles. Must be able to dissect financial statements, understand complex financial models, and connect operational KPIs to financial outcomes like cash flow and EBITDA.
Transactional Experience
Experience with M&A, including due diligence and post-merger integration, is highly desirable.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Personal Attributes
Possesses a ‘player-coach’ mentality with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills. High emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust and rapport with management teams and investment professionals. Unquestionable integrity, a strong work ethic, and a data-driven, analytical mindset. Must be willing and able to travel as needed to portfolio company locations.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package designed to reward top-tier talent for their contributions to the firm’s success.
Competitive Compensation
A compelling package including a significant base salary, an annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial opportunity for long-term wealth creation through carried interest in the fund.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A commitment to your ongoing growth with support for relevant conferences, executive education, and industry association memberships.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the exceptional candidate who is not currently based in the Houston area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical role. If your experience and aspirations align with the profile described, we invite you to submit your application for confidential consideration. We are committed to a transparent and respectful recruitment process. Qualified candidates will be contacted by one of our senior recruiters to discuss the opportunity in greater detail. To apply and to learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit our practice area page. Learn more about our Private Equity practice area and take the next step in your career today.
