Role Overview for Operating Partner, Supply Chain with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented mid-market private equity fund in their search for a highly experienced and results-driven Operating Partner, Supply Chain. Based in Chicago, IL, this is a pivotal role designed for a senior executive with a deep and demonstrable track record of transforming supply chain and operations functions to drive significant enterprise value.
The successful candidate will act as a strategic advisor and hands-on implementer across a diverse portfolio of companies, primarily within the manufacturing, distribution, and industrial sectors. This is not a traditional corporate role; it is a dynamic, high-impact position that sits at the intersection of investment strategy and operational excellence. You will be a key member of the firm’s operations group, working directly with investment teams and portfolio company C-suite leadership to identify, underwrite, and execute complex value creation initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a former C-level operations executive (COO, CSCO) or a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in private equity environments. You possess a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality. Your primary mandate will be to institutionalize best practices, drive margin expansion, optimize working capital, and mitigate operational risks across the portfolio.
You will be instrumental during the entire investment lifecycle, from providing critical operational due diligence on potential acquisitions to developing and executing 100-day plans and long-term strategic roadmaps post-close. This role requires a leader who can quickly assess complex operational challenges, build credibility with management teams, and lead through influence to achieve ambitious performance targets. Success will be measured by your ability to generate tangible EBITDA improvements and contribute to successful investment outcomes for the fund.
This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your operational expertise on a broader platform, influencing multiple businesses and industries simultaneously. You will be challenged to think like an investor while acting as a world-class operator, making this a career-defining role for a supply chain leader passionate about private equity and value creation.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Supply Chain with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner, Supply Chain will have a broad and impactful set of responsibilities, focusing on driving operational alpha across the PE fund’s portfolio companies. Key duties include:
Operational Due Diligence
Collaborate with investment teams during the pre-acquisition phase to conduct comprehensive assessments of target companies’ supply chain and operations. Identify key risks, operational deficiencies, and opportunities for value creation that will inform the investment thesis and valuation models.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development
Post-acquisition, take the lead in developing detailed, data-driven VCPs focused on supply chain and operational improvements. This includes creating 100-day plans, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), setting ambitious but achievable targets, and establishing clear project roadmaps.
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Transformation
Lead initiatives to optimize procurement functions across the portfolio. This includes implementing strategic sourcing, category management, supplier rationalization, and negotiation strategies to reduce direct and indirect spend and improve supplier performance.
Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP)
Champion and implement robust SIOP processes to improve forecast accuracy, optimize inventory levels (raw materials, WIP, finished goods), and enhance service levels, thereby improving working capital and customer satisfaction.
Manufacturing & Operations Excellence
Drive lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement programs (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma), and shop floor management systems to boost productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality and safety standards within portfolio companies.
Logistics & Network Optimization
Analyze and optimize the physical distribution network, including warehouse locations, transportation routes, and third-party logistics (3PL) provider relationships. Implement transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) where appropriate to drive efficiency and reduce costs.
Technology & Systems Implementation
Advise portfolio companies on the selection and implementation of enabling technologies, such as ERP systems, advanced planning systems (APS), and data analytics platforms, to enhance operational visibility and decision-making capabilities.
Leadership & Mentorship
Act as a coach and mentor to portfolio company leadership teams. Help build high-performing operations and supply chain teams, providing guidance, training, and support to elevate their capabilities.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
Establish rigorous performance management dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track progress against VCPs. Provide regular, transparent updates to the PE fund’s investment committee and portfolio company boards on operational performance and key initiatives.
Risk Management
Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical instability, supplier dependencies, commodity price volatility, and logistical disruptions, to ensure business continuity and protect investment value.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Supply Chain with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in operational leadership and a proven ability to drive transformative change. The specific qualifications for this role are:
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, manufacturing, and operations. A significant portion of this experience must be in senior leadership roles such as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO), or VP of Operations.
Private Equity Exposure
Direct experience working within a private equity-backed environment is strongly preferred. This includes experience as an executive in a portfolio company, an operating partner/advisor for a PE fund, or as a senior consultant in a PE-focused practice.
Industry Expertise
Deep operational experience in relevant mid-market sectors, such as industrial manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), distribution, or value-added services.
Functional Expertise
Demonstrated mastery across the full spectrum of supply chain and operations, including strategic sourcing, lean manufacturing, SIOP, logistics, quality systems, and inventory management. Proven success in implementing best-in-class ASCM (APICS) principles and frameworks is highly valued.
Financial Acumen
Strong financial literacy with the ability to read and interpret financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and understand the direct linkage between operational improvements and financial outcomes like EBITDA and cash flow.
Transformational Leadership
A proven track record of leading large-scale operational transformations and change management initiatives that resulted in measurable improvements in cost, quality, and service.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Exceptional analytical skills with a data-driven approach to problem-solving. Ability to quickly diagnose complex operational issues and develop pragmatic, actionable solutions.
Communication & Influence
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to build rapport and credibility with diverse stakeholders, from shop floor employees to CEOs and investment professionals, is critical.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are considered a significant asset.
Location & Travel
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago metropolitan area. The role will require significant travel (estimated 50-70%) to portfolio company sites across North America.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with the experience and seniority required for this role.
Performance-Based Annual Bonus
A significant annual bonus potential tied to both individual performance and the overall success of the fund’s operational initiatives.
Carried Interest
A meaningful opportunity to participate in the fund’s carried interest, providing significant long-term wealth creation potential tied directly to investment success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings Plan
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional certifications to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Technology & Expense Allowance
Stipends and reimbursement for mobile phone, home office setup, and all business-related travel and expenses.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this critical search. If you are a visionary supply chain leader with a passion for private equity and a proven history of driving operational excellence, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. Applications should be directed to our dedicated team of executive recruiters. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity practice area page. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review process and will be in touch with qualified candidates promptly. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers.
