Role Overview for Chief of Staff to the COO with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial company in their search for a dynamic and highly strategic Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Located in the vibrant business hub of Houston, TX, this is a career-defining opportunity to serve as the right-hand and trusted advisor to a key C-suite executive. This role is not an executive assistant; rather, you will act as a true strategic partner and force multiplier for the COO, ensuring the operational cadence of the business is effective, efficient, and aligned with our aggressive growth objectives. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the orchestration of strategic initiatives, the optimization of business operations, and the facilitation of executive-level decision-making.
In the fast-paced environment of a private equity portfolio company, the Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in translating strategy into execution. You will be instrumental in managing the flow of information, overseeing critical projects, and preparing the COO for high-stakes interactions with the Board of Directors, investors, and the senior leadership team. You will gain unparalleled insight into the inner workings of a rapidly scaling industrial enterprise, with exposure to M&A activities, post-merger integrations, and value creation initiatives. This position demands a unique blend of analytical rigor, business acumen, emotional intelligence, and a proactive, ownership-driven mindset. You are the connective tissue of the operations leadership team, ensuring alignment, driving accountability, and anticipating challenges before they arise. If you are a former management consultant, investment banker, or corporate strategist with a passion for operational excellence and a desire to make a tangible impact on a company’s trajectory, this role offers an exceptional platform for growth and executive development.
Key Responsibilities of Chief of Staff to the COO with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
The Chief of Staff will have a broad and evolving mandate, with responsibilities that adapt to the shifting priorities of the COO and the business. Key areas of focus will include:
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Partner with the COO and other leaders to develop, refine, and execute the company’s operational strategy and long-range plans.
- Lead and manage a portfolio of high-priority, cross-functional projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.
- Conduct in-depth market research, competitive analysis, and internal performance assessments to identify opportunities for growth, cost savings, and operational improvement.
- Support M&A activities by assisting with operational due diligence, developing integration plans, and overseeing post-merger integration workstreams to ensure synergy targets are met.
- Develop and maintain robust project management frameworks and tools to track progress, manage dependencies, and report on the status of key strategic initiatives to the executive team.
Operational Cadence & Performance Management
- Design and manage the rhythm of the business for the operations function, including structuring agendas, preparing materials, and facilitating weekly leadership meetings, monthly business reviews, and quarterly planning sessions.
- Develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational departments, creating dashboards and reports that provide actionable insights into business performance.
- Identify operational bottlenecks, process inefficiencies, and areas for improvement; work collaboratively with functional leaders to design and implement solutions.
- Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, presentations, and reports for the COO ahead of board meetings, investor updates, and other critical engagements.
- Serve as the central point of contact for the operations organization, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on priorities and objectives.
Executive Enablement & Communication
- Act as a trusted sounding board and advisor to the COO, providing thoughtful, data-driven recommendations on a wide range of operational and strategic issues.
- Manage the COO’s priorities by effectively filtering and triaging information, delegating tasks where appropriate, and ensuring their time is focused on the most critical business issues.
- Draft and manage internal and external communications on behalf of the COO, including company-wide announcements, presentations, and strategic memos.
- Represent the COO in meetings and discussions as needed, acting as a credible and effective proxy to ensure continuity and drive progress.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including the senior leadership team, department heads, and our private equity sponsors.
Requirements for the Chief of Staff to the COO with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
We are seeking a high-caliber individual with a proven track record of success in demanding, analytical, and strategic roles. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field from a top-tier university.
Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in a highly analytical and strategic environment. This typically includes 2-4 years at a top-tier management consulting firm or investment bank, followed by experience in corporate strategy, business operations, or a similar Chief of Staff role within a complex organization.
Analytical & Financial Acumen
Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills, with a mastery of financial modeling, data analysis, and the synthesis of complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Problem-Solving Skills
A structured, hypothesis-driven approach to problem-solving, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a fast-paced setting.
Communication Skills
World-class written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and present to executive-level audiences with confidence and clarity.
Project Management
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and hold team members accountable for deliverables.
Interpersonal Skills
High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trust, influence without authority, and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Degree
An MBA from a leading business school is highly preferred.
Industry Experience
Direct experience in the industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or a related B2B sector is a significant plus.
PE Environment
Prior experience working within a private equity-backed portfolio company is highly desirable, demonstrating an understanding of the pace, rigor, and value creation focus.
M&A Experience
Hands-on experience with M&A diligence and/or post-merger integration is a strong asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent is reflected in our comprehensive and competitive compensation package. We offer:
- A highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus.
- Meaningful equity participation, providing the opportunity to share in the value created during the private equity ownership period.
- A full suite of benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
- Direct mentorship from the COO and unparalleled visibility with the C-suite and Board of Directors, offering an accelerated path for career advancement.
- Relocation assistance for exceptional candidates moving to the Houston area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this pivotal role. If you are a results-oriented strategic thinker ready to take on a challenging and rewarding position at the heart of a thriving industrial enterprise, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity Recruiting practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
