Role Overview for Operating Partner, Industrial Technology with a Large PE Fund – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to exclusively represent a premier, multi-billion dollar private equity fund in their search for a world-class Operating Partner specializing in the Industrial Technology sector. Based in Cleveland, OH, this fund has a distinguished history of partnering with management teams to build market-leading companies through a combination of strategic insight, operational expertise, and long-term capital support. Their investment philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, focusing on sustainable growth and fundamental value creation rather than financial engineering.
This is a pivotal, career-defining opportunity for a seasoned executive to transition from a corporate leadership role into the dynamic world of private equity. The Operating Partner will be an integral member of the firm’s value creation team, acting as a hands-on catalyst for growth and operational excellence across a portfolio of innovative industrial technology companies. You will not be a consultant; you will be a partner, a mentor, and a driver of tangible results. Your deep industry knowledge and operational acumen will be leveraged from the initial due diligence of potential acquisitions through to the successful exit of portfolio companies.
The ideal candidate is a former C-level leader (CEO, COO, President) who has successfully scaled businesses, navigated complex market dynamics, and implemented transformative operational initiatives within the industrial technology landscape. This includes sectors such as industrial automation, robotics, advanced manufacturing, specialty materials, industrial IoT (IIoT), and enterprise software for industrial applications. You will be responsible for working shoulder-to-shoulder with portfolio company leadership to develop and execute strategic plans, optimize operations, and ultimately maximize enterprise value for the fund’s investors.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Industrial Technology with a Large PE Fund – Cleveland, OH
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and impactful, spanning the entire investment lifecycle. You will be a key resource for both the investment team and the portfolio company management teams.
Pre-Acquisition & Due Diligence
Strategic Sourcing
Collaborate with the investment team to identify and evaluate attractive investment opportunities within the Industrial Technology sector. Leverage your network to source proprietary deal flow.
Operational Due Diligence (ODD)
Lead the ODD process for potential acquisitions. This includes a deep-dive assessment of a target’s operational capabilities, manufacturing processes, supply chain resilience, technology stack, product roadmap, and organizational structure.
Investment Thesis Development
Play a critical role in shaping the investment thesis by identifying key risks and opportunities for value creation. Develop a preliminary 100-day plan and a long-term operational roadmap for each potential investment.
Management Assessment
Evaluate the strength and capabilities of the target company’s management team, identifying potential gaps and opportunities for leadership augmentation.
Post-Acquisition & Portfolio Value Creation
100-Day Plan Execution
Partner with the newly acquired company’s CEO and leadership team to refine and execute a comprehensive 100-day plan, focusing on immediate priorities and quick wins to build momentum.
Operational Excellence Initiatives
Champion and lead key operational improvement programs. This may include implementing lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing, and pricing strategies to enhance margins and efficiency.
Strategic Growth Leadership
Guide portfolio companies in developing and executing long-term growth strategies, including new product development, market expansion, sales force effectiveness, and digital transformation.
Performance Management
Work with management to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics. Provide regular, data-driven feedback and guidance to ensure performance is aligned with the value creation plan.
Add-on Acquisitions
Identify, evaluate, and help execute strategic bolt-on acquisitions for portfolio companies, leading the operational integration of acquired businesses to realize synergies.
Talent Development & Firm Contribution
Executive Mentorship
Serve as a trusted advisor, mentor, and coach to portfolio company CEOs and their senior leadership teams, helping them navigate challenges and scale their organizations effectively.
Board-Level Governance
Often taking a board seat, you will provide strategic oversight and governance, ensuring alignment between the management team, the board, and the private equity fund’s objectives.
Subject Matter Expertise
Act as the firm’s internal expert on the Industrial Technology sector, sharing insights, trends, and best practices with the broader investment and operations team.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Industrial Technology with a Large PE Fund – Cleveland, OH
We are seeking an individual with a rare combination of deep operational expertise, strategic vision, financial acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. The qualifications for this role are rigorous, reflecting its seniority and impact.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 20 years of progressive leadership experience within the Industrial Technology sector.
- A proven track record of success as a C-level executive (CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a business of significant scale (e.g., $200M+ in annual revenue).
- Demonstrable experience leading significant business transformations and driving measurable improvements in revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency.
- Prior experience working directly with or for a private equity firm is highly advantageous, though not strictly required for candidates with exceptional operational transformation credentials.
- Experience in M&A, including identifying targets, conducting diligence, and leading post-merger integration efforts, is essential.
Skills & Competencies
Deep Industry Expertise
An expert-level understanding of the industrial technology landscape, including market drivers, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies. Must have a clear perspective on driving transformations aligned with Industry 4.0.
Financial Acumen
The ability to thoroughly analyze financial statements, understand key business drivers, and translate operational initiatives into financial outcomes.
Leadership & Influence
A natural leader with a ‘player-coach’ mentality. Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility, trust, and strong relationships with C-suite executives and their teams.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills
A data-driven, analytical mindset with a structured approach to problem-solving. Must be comfortable diving into complex operational details while maintaining a strategic perspective.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including management teams, investment committees, and board members.
Education & Location
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
- Must be willing to be based in the Cleveland, OH area and travel extensively (up to 50-60%) to portfolio company sites as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package is highly competitive and reflects the significant value this role brings to the firm and its portfolio.
Executive Compensation
A substantial base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Carried Interest
A meaningful participation in the fund’s carried interest, providing significant long-term wealth creation potential tied directly to the success of the investments you influence.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Professional Development
A supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth.
Impact & Autonomy
An unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible impact across multiple companies while working within a collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and high-performing culture.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary operational leader with a passion for building great companies and meet the rigorous requirements outlined above, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this engagement. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the page for JRG Partners’ dedicated Private Equity Practice team. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
