Role Overview for Operating Partner, Business Services with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, large-cap Private Equity fund in their search for a distinguished Operating Partner specializing in the Business Services sector. Based in their flagship New York office, this is a pivotal role designed for a seasoned executive with a profound track record of driving transformational growth and operational excellence within PE-backed environments. Our client has a long and successful history of investing in and scaling market-leading companies, and this position is central to the continuation of that legacy.
The Operating Partner will act as a strategic catalyst, bridging the gap between the fund’s investment thesis and the day-to-day operational realities of its portfolio companies. This individual will not be a passive board member but a hands-on, deeply engaged partner to C-suite executives, providing the guidance, resources, and strategic insight necessary to unlock latent value and accelerate growth trajectories. The role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and operational grit. You will be a key member of the firm’s value creation team, working collaboratively with investment professionals from the pre-acquisition diligence phase through to a successful exit.
The Business Services sector is a core focus for the fund, encompassing a wide range of sub-verticals such as tech-enabled services, professional services, outsourced business processes, and facilities management. The ideal candidate will bring deep domain expertise and a robust network within this space. You will be the firm’s subject matter expert, helping to identify attractive investment opportunities, validate operational assumptions during due diligence, and, most critically, architect and execute comprehensive value creation plans post-acquisition. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence a multi-billion dollar portfolio and create substantial personal wealth through a significant carried interest component, while shaping the future of market-leading service-based enterprises.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Business Services with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and dynamic, centered on driving tangible EBITDA growth and operational improvements across a portfolio of companies. Key duties include:
Pre-Acquisition Due Diligence
Collaborate with the deal team to conduct in-depth operational due diligence on potential acquisitions. This includes assessing the target’s operational capabilities, technology infrastructure, management team strength, and scalability. You will be responsible for identifying key risks and, more importantly, quantifying opportunities for post-close value creation that will underpin the investment thesis.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development
For newly acquired companies, lead the development of a comprehensive 100-day plan and a longer-term VCP. This strategic roadmap will identify key initiatives across all functional areas, including commercial strategy, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and organizational development, complete with clear timelines, KPIs, and financial targets.
Hands-On Portfolio Company Engagement
Serve as a trusted advisor and mentor to the CEOs and senior leadership teams of portfolio companies. This involves regular on-site visits, strategy workshops, and performance review sessions. You will roll up your sleeves to help solve complex operational challenges, whether it’s optimizing a sales process, implementing a new ERP system, or integrating a tuck-in acquisition.
Performance Management and Monitoring
Implement a robust framework for performance management across the portfolio. This includes establishing standardized operational and financial KPIs, creating insightful dashboards, and leading monthly or quarterly operating reviews to track progress against the VCP and hold management teams accountable.
Strategic Initiative Leadership
Spearhead critical, high-impact projects that drive enterprise value. This may include leading initiatives such as pricing optimization, sales force effectiveness programs, supply chain rationalization, digital marketing acceleration, global expansion, or post-merger integration efforts.
Talent and Organizational Development
Play a key role in assessing and upgrading the senior talent within portfolio companies. This includes coaching existing executives, identifying talent gaps, and leveraging your network to recruit world-class leaders who can execute the growth strategy.
Board Governance
Serve as an active and influential member on the Board of Directors for multiple portfolio companies. In this capacity, you will provide strategic oversight, ensure strong corporate governance, and champion the long-term value creation agenda.
Exit Strategy and Preparation
Work closely with the investment team and portfolio company management to prepare businesses for a successful exit. This involves ensuring the company’s strategic, operational, and financial story is compelling, and that the business is positioned to achieve a premium valuation from strategic buyers or in the public markets.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Business Services with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a history of creating exceptional value. The requirements for this role are stringent and reflect its seniority and impact:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience, including significant time spent in a C-suite role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or Divisional President) within a reputable Business Services company. Experience managing a full P&L of substantial scale is mandatory.
Private Equity Environment Acumen
Direct and extensive experience working in a private equity-backed environment is essential. The ideal candidate will have served as a C-level executive in one or more PE-owned companies, demonstrating a clear understanding of the pace, metrics, and governance required to succeed under PE ownership. Prior experience as an Operating Partner is highly advantageous.
Demonstrable Track Record of Value Creation
A proven and quantifiable track record of driving significant operational improvements and financial growth (EBITDA, revenue). Candidates must be able to articulate specific examples of how they have transformed businesses, with clear before-and-after metrics.
Deep Functional Expertise
Broad operational expertise across multiple functions is required. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial operations (sales and marketing), service delivery, technology and digital transformation, M&A integration, and human capital management.
Industry Specialization
Deep knowledge and a strong professional network within the Business Services sector are critical. The candidate must possess a sophisticated deep understanding of the future of business services, including key trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies.
Strategic and Financial Acumen
Must possess exceptional strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to quickly diagnose business challenges and craft effective solutions. Strong financial literacy and the ability to dissect financial statements to identify operational drivers are paramount.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree from a top-tier university is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will have a low ego, a collaborative mindset, and a hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ work ethic. They must possess outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the credibility and executive presence to effectively advise and challenge seasoned CEOs and investment professionals. Must be based in or willing to relocate to the New York metropolitan area and be able to travel extensively as required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding top talent with a compensation and benefits package that is among the best in the industry. This reflects the immense value the Operating Partner brings to the firm and its portfolio.
Exceptional Compensation Package
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A substantial carried interest allocation in the fund, providing the opportunity for life-changing wealth creation tied directly to the success of the investments you influence.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. The package includes access to top wellness programs, mental health resources, and a generous health savings account.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a significant and immediate company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off policy, including vacation, sick days, and personal days, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and relevant certifications to keep you at the forefront of your field.
Prime Location & Perks
A state-of-the-art office in a prestigious New York City location, offering numerous amenities, including a subsidized gourmet cafeteria, an on-site fitness center, and commuter benefits.
How to Apply
If you are a results-driven executive with a passion for building great businesses and you meet the rigorous qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this unique and rewarding opportunity. JRG Partners is managing this search exclusively on behalf of our client.
Please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your specific achievements in value creation within the business services sector. All applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. To understand our deep expertise in placing top-tier talent in this space, we invite you to learn more about our dedicated Private Equity practice group.
