Role Overview for Operating Partner, Consumer Services with a Mid-Market PE Group – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm in their search for a dynamic and results-driven Operating Partner, Consumer Services. Based in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this is a pivotal role designed for a seasoned executive with a proven track record of P&L leadership and value creation within the consumer services sector. The firm has a stellar reputation for partnering with management teams to build market-leading companies and has a strong history of successful investments.
As an Operating Partner, you will be an integral part of the firm’s value creation engine. This is not a traditional corporate role; it is a hands-on, strategic position that requires a unique blend of operational expertise, financial acumen, and executive leadership. You will work side-by-side with investment professionals and the leadership teams of portfolio companies to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive significant, measurable growth in enterprise value. You will act as a trusted advisor, mentor, and change agent, leveraging your deep industry experience to unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and accelerate performance across a diverse portfolio of consumer-facing businesses. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact multiple businesses, share in their success through carried interest, and play a critical role in the private equity lifecycle, from due diligence to exit.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Consumer Services with a Mid-Market PE Group – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner will have a broad and impactful mandate, focusing on post-acquisition value creation while also providing critical operational insights during the due diligence process. Responsibilities are multifaceted and require a highly adaptable and strategic mindset.
Portfolio Company Strategy & Operations
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development
Collaborate with the deal team and portfolio company management to develop and implement comprehensive 100-day plans and long-term VCPs immediately following an acquisition.
Operational Excellence
Identify and drive key operational improvements across the portfolio. This includes optimizing pricing strategies, enhancing sales and marketing effectiveness, improving customer service delivery, streamlining supply chains, and implementing lean principles to boost efficiency and profitability.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Lead the identification and execution of organic and inorganic growth strategies, such as new service line introductions, geographic expansion, digital transformation, and add-on acquisitions.
Performance Management
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for each portfolio company. Conduct regular operational reviews with management teams to track progress against the VCP, identify risks, and proactively address performance gaps.
Financial Oversight
Work closely with the CFO and finance teams of portfolio companies to improve financial planning, forecasting, and reporting. Ensure robust financial controls are in place and provide guidance on capital allocation decisions.
Due Diligence & Transaction Support
Operational Due Diligence
Serve as the firm’s lead operational expert during the evaluation of new investment opportunities in the consumer services sector. Assess the target company’s operational capabilities, competitive positioning, and potential for performance improvement.
Risk Assessment
Identify key operational risks, scalability challenges, and potential integration complexities. Quantify the potential financial impact of these factors on the investment thesis.
Thesis Validation
Play a critical role in validating the operational assumptions within the investment thesis, providing the investment committee with a clear-eyed view of the opportunities and challenges post-close.
Leadership & Talent Development
Executive Mentorship
Act as a coach and mentor to C-level executives within the portfolio, providing guidance on leadership, strategy, and execution.
Team Building
Assist portfolio companies in recruiting, developing, and retaining top-tier executive talent. Help build high-performance cultures that are aligned with the value creation objectives.
Best Practice Sharing
Foster a collaborative environment across the portfolio by facilitating the sharing of best practices, operational insights, and successful strategies. Develop and lead workshops and forums for portfolio company leaders.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Consumer Services with a Mid-Market PE Group – Chicago, IL
The ideal candidate is a ‘business builder’ with a history of transformative leadership. This role demands a unique combination of strategic insight, hands-on operational capability, and the executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5+ years in a C-suite role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a business of significant scale ($50M+ in revenue).
- Deep and demonstrable expertise in the consumer services sector. Experience in areas such as home services, multi-site healthcare, education, wellness, fitness, or other recurring-revenue service models is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of driving significant top-line growth and bottom-line improvement. Must be able to provide specific, quantifiable examples of value creation in previous roles.
- Direct experience working in a private equity-backed environment is strongly preferred. Candidates must understand the pace, rigor, and reporting requirements inherent in a PE-owned company.
- Experience with M&A, including pre-deal due diligence and post-deal integration, is a significant plus.
Skills & Competencies
Strategic & Financial Acumen
Ability to quickly diagnose business challenges, develop data-driven strategies, and understand the key levers that impact financial performance. Must be fluent in reading and interpreting financial statements.
Operational Toolkit
Expertise in a range of operational improvement methodologies. Familiarity with frameworks for sales force effectiveness, digital marketing, pricing optimization, and operational efficiency is critical. The ability to apply these tools is more important than theoretical knowledge.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Must possess high emotional intelligence and the ability to build rapport and credibility with management teams, board members, and investment professionals.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills
A highly analytical and metrics-driven approach to decision-making. Capable of structuring ambiguous problems and driving to actionable solutions.
Communication Skills
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be able to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
Education & Location
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
- Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago, IL metropolitan area. Regular travel to portfolio company locations will be required.
This role is not just about identifying problems; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and being part of the solution. The successful candidate will be a practitioner of modern private equity value creation, combining strategic vision with a relentless focus on execution and results.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A lucrative package including a substantial base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A meaningful participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct share in the value you help create across the fund’s investments.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continued learning, industry conferences, and executive coaching to support your ongoing growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this Operating Partner position. If you are a results-oriented leader with a passion for building great businesses and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and specific achievements in value creation. To apply and learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Private Equity Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
