Role Overview for Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Middle-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented middle-market private equity fund in their search for a world-class Operating Partner specializing in the Chemicals sector. Based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned executive to transition from a traditional corporate leadership role into a dynamic, high-impact position where you will directly shape the success of multiple portfolio companies and contribute to the fund’s overall investment strategy.
Our client is a highly respected firm with a proven track record of partnering with management teams to build market-leading businesses. They are known for their collaborative approach, deep industry expertise, and a commitment to creating long-term, sustainable value. This role is not that of a consultant; it is a hands-on, strategic leadership position integral to the firm’s value creation thesis.
The Chemicals industry is at a pivotal juncture, driven by innovations in sustainability, specialty materials, digital transformation, and global supply chain realignment. This Operating Partner will be at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging their deep industry knowledge to identify promising investment opportunities and to unlock the full potential of the fund’s portfolio companies. You will serve as a trusted advisor, a strategic thought leader, and a mentor to C-suite executives, guiding them through complex operational challenges and strategic growth initiatives.
This role requires a unique blend of operational expertise, financial acumen, and executive leadership. The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about building great companies. You will be a key member of the firm’s value creation team, working alongside investment professionals to drive superior returns for investors.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Middle-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner will be a critical lever in the fund’s success, involved across the entire investment lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:
Investment Due Diligence and Thesis Development
Collaborate closely with the deal team during the pre-acquisition phase. Lead operational due diligence, assess management team capabilities, identify key risks, and quantify potential value creation opportunities. Your insights will be crucial in shaping the investment thesis and underwriting models.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Formulation and Execution
Post-acquisition, you will take the lead in developing and implementing comprehensive 100-day plans and long-term VCPs for each portfolio company. This involves working directly with company leadership to define strategic priorities, set KPIs, and drive execution on key initiatives.
Operational Excellence and Performance Improvement
Act as a hands-on catalyst for operational improvement. This includes optimizing manufacturing processes (Lean, Six Sigma), enhancing supply chain and procurement strategies, implementing robust EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) protocols, and driving margin enhancement through pricing and cost-out initiatives.
Strategic Leadership and Board-Level Governance
Serve on the Board of Directors for multiple portfolio companies. Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and accountability to the CEO and senior management team. Help navigate strategic pivots, major capital projects, and critical business decisions.
Commercial and Growth Strategy
Partner with portfolio companies to develop and execute aggressive growth strategies. This includes identifying opportunities for new product development, market expansion, sales force effectiveness, and digital marketing to accelerate top-line growth.
Talent Assessment and Leadership Development
Play a key role in evaluating the existing leadership teams within portfolio companies. Identify talent gaps, recruit top-tier executives, and mentor high-potential leaders to build world-class organizations capable of scaling effectively.
Add-On Acquisitions and Integration
Support the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic add-on acquisitions. Following a transaction, you will oversee the development and implementation of a rigorous post-merger integration plan to ensure synergies are realized and value is created.
Exit Preparedness and Strategy
Work with management teams and the investment partners to prepare portfolio companies for a successful exit. This involves ensuring the business is performing at its peak, key value drivers are clearly articulated, and the company is positioned optimally for a sale to a strategic buyer or another financial sponsor.
Firm and Network Development
Act as an ambassador for the private equity firm within the chemicals industry. Cultivate a network of industry experts, potential management talent, and deal sources. Contribute to the firm’s thought leadership and help refine its investment strategy within the chemicals sector.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Chemicals with a Middle-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking an individual with a distinguished career and a proven track record of creating value within the chemicals industry. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience, including at least 5-10 years in a significant P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) within a reputable chemicals manufacturing company. Experience in both large, established corporations and smaller, more nimble environments is highly advantageous.
Deep Chemicals Industry Expertise
Extensive knowledge of the chemicals value chain, including sub-sectors such as specialty chemicals, polymers, adhesives, coatings, or performance materials. A strong understanding of market trends, competitive landscapes, and the regulatory environment is essential. Familiarity with resources from organizations like the American Chemistry Council is expected.
Proven Operational Acumen
A demonstrated history of driving significant operational improvements and financial results. Expertise in modern operational methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), and strategic sourcing is required. Turnaround or performance transformation experience is a significant plus.
Private Equity Exposure
Prior experience working in a private equity-backed company as a senior executive is strongly preferred. This demonstrates an understanding of the pace, rigor, and value-creation mindset required in a PE environment.
Financial Sophistication
Strong financial literacy with the ability to dissect financial statements, understand key business drivers, and engage in sophisticated conversations about valuation, capital structure, and M&A with the investment team.
Exceptional Interpersonal and Influencing Skills
The ability to build credibility and establish rapport with C-suite executives, board members, and investment professionals. Must be a skilled mentor and coach who can lead through influence rather than direct authority.
Strategic and Analytical Mindset
A highly analytical and data-driven decision-maker who can quickly diagnose business problems, identify root causes, and develop pragmatic, actionable solutions.
Education
An undergraduate degree in a technical field such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline is highly preferred. An MBA or other advanced degree is a strong asset.
Location and Travel
Must be willing to be based in the Chicago metropolitan area and travel extensively (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 reflects the seniority and impact of this role:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A substantial carried interest allocation in the fund, providing a significant long-term wealth creation opportunity 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 family, along with a robust wellness program.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Professional Development
An annual budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
Paid Time Off
A generous and flexible paid time off policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this Operating Partner position. Due to the confidential nature of this search, we ask that all interested and qualified candidates submit their resume and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant experience. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this space by visiting JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice page. If you are a transformative leader with a deep passion for the chemicals industry and a desire to create significant value, we encourage you to apply and begin a confidential discussion with our executive search team.
