Role Overview for Operating Partner, Aerospace & Defense with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Dallas, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a premier, growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm in their search for a world-class Operating Partner specializing in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) sector. Based in Dallas, TX, our client has a distinguished track record of investing in and scaling market-leading businesses. This is a pivotal role designed for a seasoned executive who can act as a strategic catalyst, driving transformational growth and operational excellence across a dynamic portfolio of A&D companies.
The Operating Partner is not a traditional consultant or a passive board member; this individual is a hands-on, deeply engaged leader who partners directly with portfolio company management teams and the firm’s investment professionals. You will be the firm’s primary subject matter expert in the A&D industry, leveraging decades of operational experience to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and ultimately maximize enterprise value. Your mission will be to translate strategic vision into tangible results, implementing best-in-class operational practices, fostering innovation, and mentoring executive leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of multiple companies, influence investment strategy, and share in the significant financial upside of successful portfolio outcomes. You will be instrumental in every phase of the investment lifecycle, from pre-acquisition due diligence and thesis validation to post-acquisition value creation and successful exit planning. We are seeking a leader who thrives in a fast-paced, results-driven environment and possesses the credibility, acumen, and influence to guide C-suite executives toward peak performance.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Aerospace & Defense with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Dallas, TX
The Operating Partner will have a broad and impactful mandate, working collaboratively with deal teams and portfolio company leadership. Key responsibilities are comprehensive and span the entire investment lifecycle:
Strategic Due Diligence and Deal Execution
Collaborate closely with the investment team during the pre-acquisition phase. Lead operational due diligence to assess a target company’s operational capabilities, identify potential risks, and quantify value creation opportunities. Validate the investment thesis by pressure-testing assumptions around manufacturing efficiency, supply chain resilience, technology roadmaps, and market positioning. Your insights will be critical in shaping deal structure and post-acquisition strategy.
Post-Acquisition Integration and 100-Day Planning
Spearhead the development and execution of a robust 100-Day Plan for newly acquired portfolio companies. This involves establishing immediate priorities, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), creating functional integration roadmaps, and aligning the management team around a shared set of objectives. Ensure a smooth transition and rapid implementation of initial value-creation initiatives.
Value Creation and Operational Excellence Implementation
Act as the primary driver of operational improvement across the A&D portfolio. Identify and implement strategic initiatives focused on enhancing profitability and growth. This includes deploying methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management; optimizing global supply chains for cost, quality, and delivery; driving pricing strategy and margin enhancement; and leading footprint rationalization or expansion projects. You will create a culture of continuous improvement that becomes a sustainable competitive advantage.
Portfolio Company Leadership, Mentorship, and Governance
Serve as a trusted advisor, coach, and mentor to portfolio company CEOs and their executive teams. Provide expert guidance on strategic planning, organizational design, talent development, and crisis management. Typically, you will hold a Board of Directors seat, where you will provide critical governance and oversight, ensuring alignment between the management team and the private equity firm’s objectives.
Performance Monitoring and Financial Oversight
Implement and manage a rigorous system for tracking portfolio company performance against budgets, strategic plans, and value creation milestones. Work with the CFOs of portfolio companies to ensure robust financial controls and reporting. Regularly present performance reviews and strategic updates to the PE firm’s investment committee and limited partners.
Strategic Growth and M&A Support
Support portfolio companies in pursuing strategic growth avenues, including new product development, international expansion, and digital transformation. Play a key role in evaluating and executing add-on acquisitions, from identifying targets and conducting diligence to leading post-merger integration efforts.
Exit Strategy and Preparation
Collaborate with the deal team and portfolio company leadership to prepare businesses for a successful exit, whether through a strategic sale, secondary buyout, or IPO. This involves ensuring the company’s operational and financial story is compelling, processes are scalable and well-documented, and the management team is prepared for the rigors of the exit process.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Aerospace & Defense with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Dallas, TX
The ideal candidate is a proven operational leader with deep industry expertise and a demonstrated ability to create substantial enterprise value. The qualifications are stringent and reflect the seniority and impact of this role:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience, including significant time in a senior executive role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a sizable A&D manufacturing or services business.
Deep A&D Sector Expertise
Extensive, hands-on experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry is mandatory. Candidates must have a profound understanding of the sector’s unique dynamics, including customer requirements, supply chain complexities, program management, and the regulatory environment. Familiarity with both commercial aerospace and defense segments is highly advantageous.
Private Equity Acumen
Prior experience working directly for a private equity firm as an Operating Partner, or serving as a C-suite executive in a PE-backed company, is strongly preferred. A proven track record of successfully navigating the pace, demands, and value-creation methodologies of a private equity environment is essential.
Functional Mastery
Demonstrable expertise in modern operational improvement toolkits. This includes deep proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing, and quality systems. Experience leading successful M&A integrations is also critical. Must possess a thorough understanding of relevant compliance and regulatory frameworks, including ITAR, FAR/DFARS, and U.S. Department of Defense procurement processes.
Financial and Strategic Acumen
A strong command of corporate finance, with the ability to dissect financial statements, build operating models, and connect operational improvements to financial outcomes like EBITDA growth and cash flow generation. Must be a strategic thinker who can develop and articulate a clear vision for long-term value creation.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. The ability to build credibility and rapport with a wide range of stakeholders, from shop-floor employees to CEOs and investment professionals. Must be a persuasive leader who can drive change through influence and collaboration rather than direct authority.
Education
An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Logistics
Must be willing to reside in the Dallas, TX area and be prepared for frequent travel (estimated 50-70%) to portfolio company locations across North America.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package is structured to reward performance and align interests with the success of the firm and its portfolio.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A substantial opportunity for wealth creation through participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct share in the profits of the investments you influence.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Executive Benefits
Includes generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and other executive-level perquisites.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Access to industry conferences, executive education programs, and networking opportunities to maintain your position at the forefront of the A&D industry.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical mandate. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their credentials for confidential consideration. To apply, please provide a current resume and a cover letter outlining your specific qualifications and experience as they relate to the requirements of this role.
To learn more about our dedicated focus in this space and to apply, please visit our practice area page. We encourage you to explore our expertise in Private Equity executive search and submit your application through the appropriate channels. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
