Role Overview for Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a distinguished mid-market private equity firm renowned for its strategic investments and collaborative approach to value creation. With a strong track record of success in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, our client is seeking to appoint a seasoned and results-driven Operating Partner to lead their chemicals portfolio. This pivotal role, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is designed for a former C-level executive from the chemicals industry who possesses a deep understanding of operational excellence, commercial strategy, and the unique dynamics of private equity ownership.
As the Operating Partner for Chemicals, you will be an integral part of the investment team, acting as a strategic advisor, mentor, and hands-on leader for the firm’s portfolio companies. Your primary mission will be to identify, diligence, and unlock latent value within acquired businesses, driving significant EBITDA growth and operational improvements. You will work side-by-side with investment professionals during the pre-acquisition phase, providing critical operational insights and validating investment theses. Post-acquisition, you will transition to a hands-on leadership role, partnering with portfolio company management teams to develop and execute comprehensive value creation plans. This includes everything from implementing 100-day plans and refining long-term strategy to optimizing manufacturing processes, supply chains, and go-to-market strategies.
This is not a traditional corporate role; it is a dynamic, challenging, and highly rewarding position that requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, financial acumen, and leadership gravitas. You will be the bridge between the investment firm’s financial objectives and the portfolio company’s operational reality. The ideal candidate is a change agent, a problem-solver, and a mentor who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. You must be comfortable navigating the complexities of the global specialty chemicals market, including regulatory landscapes, raw material sourcing, and technological innovation. Your success will be measured by the tangible growth and enhanced enterprise value of the companies under your stewardship, culminating in successful exits and superior returns for the firm’s investors.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Pittsburgh, PA
Investment Due Diligence & Thesis Validation
Collaborate closely with the deal team to source, identify, and evaluate potential acquisition targets within the chemicals sector. Lead operational due diligence efforts, assessing manufacturing capabilities, supply chain integrity, technological advantages, organizational structure, and potential for margin expansion. Provide critical insights to validate or challenge investment theses and quantify operational risks and opportunities.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development & Execution
For newly acquired companies, spearhead the development of a comprehensive VCP and 100-day plan. Work with portfolio company leadership to establish clear strategic priorities, key performance indicators (KPIs), and actionable initiatives aimed at driving rapid and sustainable performance improvement.
Operational Excellence & Transformation
Serve as a hands-on expert to guide portfolio companies in implementing best practices across all operational functions. This includes lean manufacturing principles, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing and procurement, sales and operations planning (S&OP), and quality control systems. Identify and eliminate inefficiencies to drive cost reduction and enhance productivity.
Commercial Growth Strategy
Partner with management teams to refine and execute commercial strategies. Provide guidance on pricing optimization, sales force effectiveness, new market entry, product portfolio management, and innovation pipelines to accelerate top-line growth and expand market share.
Leadership Mentorship & Talent Development
Act as a trusted advisor, coach, and board member for portfolio company CEOs and their executive teams. Assist in recruiting and developing top-tier talent, building high-performance cultures, and ensuring management alignment with the PE firm’s strategic objectives.
Financial Oversight & Performance Management
Monitor the financial and operational performance of portfolio companies against budget and the VCP. Assist management in developing robust financial forecasts, annual budgets, and cash flow management strategies. Help prepare for and lead monthly and quarterly board-level performance reviews.
M&A Integration and Tuck-In Acquisitions
Support portfolio companies in identifying, evaluating, and integrating strategic bolt-on acquisitions. Develop and oversee post-merger integration plans to ensure synergies are realized efficiently and effectively.
Exit Strategy & Preparation
As portfolio companies mature, play a key role in preparing them for a successful exit. This includes ensuring operational and financial readiness, helping to craft the growth story, and supporting the sale or IPO process to maximize shareholder returns.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Pittsburgh, PA
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the chemicals industry, with at least 5-10 years serving in a significant P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager of a substantial business unit).
Industry Expertise
Deep and broad knowledge of the chemicals sector is mandatory. Experience in specialty chemicals, performance materials, adhesives, coatings, or related sub-sectors is highly desirable. Must have a thorough understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, EHS regulations, and supply chain complexities.
Private Equity Acumen
Demonstrable experience working within a private equity ecosystem. Prior experience as an Operating Partner is ideal. Alternatively, significant experience as a senior executive in a PE-backed company, with a proven track record of driving value creation under PE ownership, is required.
Operational Transformation Skills
Proven ability to lead operational turnarounds and performance improvement initiatives. Expertise in methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and strategic procurement is highly valued. Must be ableto translate high-level strategy into tangible operational results.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) and key business drivers. Must be able to analyze financial data to identify operational levers for improvement and effectively communicate with finance-oriented investment professionals.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field is strongly preferred. An MBA or other advanced degree is a significant plus.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills. The ability to build credibility and rapport with C-suite executives, board members, and shop-floor employees is essential. Must be a collaborative partner who can lead through influence rather than direct authority.
Location & Travel
The ability to be based in or travel frequently to Pittsburgh, PA, is required. Significant travel to portfolio company locations across North America will also be necessary.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive of this caliber. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A significant base salary complemented by a substantial annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A meaningful participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct stake in the success of the fund and its investments.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continued learning, industry conferences, and professional association memberships to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family, if required.
How to Apply
This is a unique opportunity to leverage your extensive industry expertise to drive transformative growth across a portfolio of promising chemical companies. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for operational excellence and a track record of creating substantial enterprise value, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. You can learn more about our specialized recruitment capabilities by visiting the page for JRG Partners’ Private Equity executive search team. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exceptional opportunity.
