Role Overview for Operating Partner, Telecommunications with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, large-cap private equity fund in their search for a distinguished Operating Partner specializing in the Telecommunications sector. Based in their flagship New York office, this is a pivotal leadership role designed for a seasoned C-level executive with a profound understanding of the telecom landscape and a proven track record of driving transformative growth and operational excellence. The successful candidate will act as a strategic partner to the investment team and the leadership of portfolio companies, playing a critical role throughout the entire investment lifecycle—from due diligence and acquisition to value creation and successful exit.
This is not merely an advisory position; it is a hands-on, high-impact role that requires a leader who can roll up their sleeves and work alongside management teams to implement strategic initiatives, optimize operations, and unlock latent value. You will be the firm’s subject matter expert in telecommunications, providing invaluable industry insights that shape investment theses and guide portfolio strategy. The ideal candidate will have deep experience across various telecom sub-sectors, such as fiber infrastructure, wireless communications, data centers, managed network services, or enterprise communication platforms. You will leverage your extensive network and operational expertise to identify unique investment opportunities and to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders within the portfolio. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence a multi-billion dollar portfolio and generate significant returns for the fund’s investors, with compensation including a substantial carried interest component.
The firm has a long history of successful investments and is known for its collaborative culture, which values deep industry knowledge and operational partnership. As an Operating Partner, you will be an integral part of this culture, contributing to a dynamic environment where strategic vision and executional prowess are paramount. You will be challenged to think creatively, solve complex problems, and drive tangible results that enhance enterprise value and solidify the fund’s reputation as a leader in telecommunications investing.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Telecommunications with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
The Operating Partner will have a broad and dynamic set of responsibilities, focusing on maximizing the value of the fund’s telecommunications investments. Key duties include:
Investment Thesis & Due Diligence
Collaborate closely with the deal team during the pre-acquisition phase. Lead operational, commercial, and technical due diligence on potential targets. Assess management teams, operational capabilities, market positioning, and growth potential to validate or challenge investment theses. Develop detailed value creation plans (VCPs) for target assets.
Post-Acquisition Value Creation & Strategy
Serve as a strategic partner to the CEOs and boards of portfolio companies. Lead the implementation of the 100-day plan and the long-term VCP. Drive key strategic initiatives, including pricing optimization, sales force effectiveness, go-to-market strategy, product development, and operational efficiency improvements.
Operational Leadership & Performance Improvement
Identify and execute on opportunities for margin enhancement and operational excellence. This includes supply chain optimization, process re-engineering, technology implementation, and organizational restructuring. You will be expected to diagnose performance gaps and implement robust solutions that yield measurable results.
Portfolio Company Governance & Mentorship
Typically serve on the Board of Directors for multiple portfolio companies. Provide expert guidance, mentorship, and coaching to senior management teams. Help recruit and develop top-tier executive talent, ensuring the right leadership is in place to execute on the strategic plan.
Growth & M&A Execution
Champion organic and inorganic growth strategies. Identify, evaluate, and execute on strategic add-on acquisitions that enhance a portfolio company’s scale, geographic reach, or service offerings. Oversee the complex process of post-merger integration to ensure synergies are realized.
Industry Expertise & Network Leverage
Act as the firm’s thought leader on the latest telecommunications industry trends, competitive dynamics, and disruptive technologies. Leverage your extensive network of industry contacts to source proprietary deal flow, identify executive talent, and create commercial opportunities for portfolio companies.
Exit Strategy & Planning
Work with the investment team and portfolio company management to prepare for a successful exit. This involves positioning the company optimally in the market, leading key workstreams to maximize valuation, and participating in the sale process to articulate the growth story to potential buyers.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Telecommunications with a Large PE Fund – New York, NY
The ideal candidate will be a world-class operator and strategist with a history of creating significant shareholder value within the telecommunications industry. The requirements are stringent and reflect the seniority and impact of this role.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience, including significant time spent in C-level roles (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager of a large division) within the telecommunications sector.
Deep Industry Knowledge
Extensive, hands-on operational experience in one or more key telecom sub-sectors such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), wireless infrastructure (towers, small cells), data centers, cloud communications, enterprise networking, or managed IT services.
Proven Track Record of Value Creation
Demonstrable success in driving substantial P&L improvement, revenue growth, and margin expansion. Must be able to provide specific examples of leading successful turnarounds, high-growth scaling, or significant operational transformations.
Private Equity Acumen
Prior experience working in a private equity environment is highly preferred. This could be as an Operating Partner, a senior advisor, or as a C-level executive of a successful PE-backed company. A deep understanding of the PE investment lifecycle, financial levers, and the importance of speed and execution is critical.
Transactional & M&A Expertise
Significant experience with mergers, acquisitions, and integrations is essential. The candidate must have a history of successfully identifying targets, conducting diligence, and managing post-merger integration to achieve strategic and financial objectives.
Financial Acuity
Strong financial literacy with the ability to dissect financial statements, understand complex financial models, and engage in sophisticated discussions about capital structure, valuation, and investment returns with the deal team.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders, including investment professionals, board members, and management teams. Must be a skilled communicator, mentor, and relationship-builder.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree in business, engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Highly Competitive Base Salary & Annual Bonus
A top-tier cash compensation package commensurate with the experience and seniority of the role.
Significant Carried Interest
A substantial participation in the fund’s carried interest, providing a direct share in the value created across the portfolio and offering exceptional long-term wealth creation potential.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents, along with robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings Plan
A generous 401(k) plan with a significant company match to support your long-term financial goals.
Executive Perks
Additional benefits may include executive financial planning services, a generous paid time off policy, and other perquisites befitting a senior leader.
Professional Development
A commitment to continuous learning and development, with access to industry conferences, executive education programs, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for building great telecommunications businesses and meet the stringent requirements outlined above, we invite you to apply for this unique and rewarding opportunity. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. Our team will review all applications with the utmost confidentiality.
For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Private Equity recruitment practice page. We look forward to connecting with transformative leaders ready to make a significant impact.
