Role Overview for Operating Partner, Financial Services with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a premier, growth-oriented mid-market private equity fund in their search for a highly experienced and results-driven Operating Partner specializing in the Financial Services sector. Based in Chicago, IL, our client has a distinguished track record of successfully investing in and scaling businesses through a collaborative, value-add approach. They are not merely financial engineers; they are true partners to their management teams, committed to building enduring, market-leading companies.
This is a pivotal role within the firm, designed for a seasoned executive who has moved beyond traditional corporate leadership and is passionate about leveraging their deep operational expertise across a diverse portfolio of companies. The Operating Partner will act as a strategic force multiplier, working hand-in-hand with both the investment team and portfolio company leadership to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and execute on ambitious growth plans.
You will be instrumental in every phase of the investment lifecycle, from pre-acquisition diligence and 100-day planning to long-term value creation and successful exit strategies. The ideal candidate is a former C-level operator (CEO, COO, President) from the financial services industry who possesses a unique blend of strategic vision, hands-on execution capability, and the executive presence to mentor and influence top-tier management teams.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the trajectory of multiple high-potential companies and play a critical role in driving significant value creation within the dynamic private equity landscape. You will be a key member of a high-caliber team, contributing to a culture of excellence, intellectual curiosity, and shared success. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for building great businesses, this role provides an unparalleled platform for professional impact and financial reward.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Financial Services with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and dynamic, requiring a fluid shift between strategic advisory and tactical execution. You will be the firm’s primary resource for operational excellence within the financial services portfolio.
Strategic & Operational Due Diligence
- Partner with the investment team during the pre-acquisition phase to lead comprehensive operational diligence on target companies in the financial services sector.
- Conduct deep-dive assessments of a target’s operational infrastructure, technology platforms, sales and marketing effectiveness, management team capabilities, and overall scalability.
- Develop detailed, data-driven theses for value creation, identifying specific levers for growth and efficiency improvements that will form the foundation of the post-acquisition strategy.
- Quantify potential synergies, operational risks, and necessary investments to inform valuation and deal structuring.
Post-Acquisition Integration & 100-Day Plan Execution
- Immediately engage with newly acquired portfolio company leadership to build rapport, establish credibility, and align on strategic objectives.
- Co-develop and drive the execution of a robust 100-day plan focused on achieving quick wins, addressing critical gaps, and building momentum for long-term initiatives.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), governance structures, and a regular reporting cadence to ensure accountability and transparency.
Portfolio Company Transformation & Growth Leadership
- Serve as a dedicated strategic advisor, board member, and mentor to the C-suite of multiple portfolio companies.
- Collaborate with management to refine corporate strategy, optimize go-to-market plans, enhance product roadmaps, and improve pricing strategies.
- Identify and champion organic growth initiatives, such as salesforce optimization, digital transformation, new channel development, and customer success programs.
- Lead inorganic growth strategies by identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic add-on acquisitions, overseeing the entire process from sourcing to post-merger integration.
Operational Excellence & Performance Improvement
- Act as a change agent, driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational rigor across the portfolio.
- Spearhead critical projects aimed at enhancing profitability and scalability, including process re-engineering, technology modernization, and implementation of best-in-class systems (e.g., ERP, CRM).
- Develop and deploy a toolkit of best practices in areas such as financial planning & analysis (FP&A), human capital management, risk and compliance, and data analytics.
Firm-Level Contribution & Network Development
- Leverage your extensive industry network to source proprietary deal flow, identify top executive talent, and connect portfolio companies with valuable resources and partners.
- Contribute to the firm’s intellectual capital by developing playbooks, case studies, and thought leadership related to operational value creation in financial services.
- Act as a subject matter expert, participating in Limited Partner (LP) meetings and fundraising activities to articulate the firm’s differentiated, operationally-focused investment strategy.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Financial Services with a Mid-Market PE Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a candidate with a rare combination of deep industry knowledge, proven operational leadership, and a private equity mindset. The qualifications for this role are rigorous and reflect the high-impact nature of the position.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 20 years of progressive professional experience, with at least 5-10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility.
- A clear and demonstrable track record of driving significant, quantifiable enterprise value creation within one or more financial services organizations.
- Prior experience in a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. Direct experience as an Operating Partner or a senior consultant in a PE-focused advisory firm is a significant asset.
- Extensive experience leading complex M&A activities, including target evaluation, due diligence, and, most critically, successful post-merger integration.
Industry Expertise
- Deep domain expertise within the financial services industry is mandatory. Ideal candidates will have experience in sectors such as Insurance (P&C, Life, Brokerage), Asset Management, Wealth Management, Specialty Finance, Payments, or Financial Technology (FinTech).
Core Competencies & Attributes
- Strategic and Analytical Mindset: Ability to quickly grasp complex business issues, synthesize information, and develop clear, actionable strategic plans.
Hands-On, Execution-Oriented
A ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality; someone who is as comfortable building a financial model as they are presenting in a boardroom.
Exceptional Leadership & Influence
Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, drive change, and build consensus among senior stakeholders without direct reporting lines. Possesses outstanding executive presence and credibility.
Financial Acumen
A strong command of corporate finance, financial statements, and the key metrics that drive a P&L and balance sheet.
Unquestionable Integrity
A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Collaborative Spirit
A team player who thrives in a collaborative, partnership-oriented environment.
Education & Location
- A Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
- The ability to be based in the greater Chicago, IL area is required. The role will involve significant travel (estimated 40-60%) to portfolio company locations.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain world-class talent. The structure is designed to reward performance and align incentives with the long-term success of the fund and its portfolio companies.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a substantial annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A significant opportunity for wealth creation through participation in the fund’s carried interest, ensuring direct alignment with investor returns.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with generous Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan featuring a significant company match to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.
Professional Development
A generous annual stipend for executive coaching, industry conferences, continuing education, and other professional development opportunities.
Work-Life Integration
A flexible and results-oriented work environment with a generous paid time off (PTO) policy and paid parental leave.
Networking
Unparalleled access to a powerful network of industry leaders, executives, and investors.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. We invite qualified and interested candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and expressing their interest in the role. Due to the high volume of applications, only those candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted.
We are committed to building diverse teams and strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates. To learn more about our dedicated focus in this area, we invite you to explore our expertise in Private Equity Executive Search. We look forward to reviewing your application.
