Role Overview for Operating Partner, Industrials with a Large PE Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, large-cap private equity fund in their search for an exceptional Operating Partner focused on the Industrials sector. Based in Chicago, IL, this is a pivotal leadership role designed for a seasoned executive with a profound track record of driving operational excellence and transformative growth within industrial businesses. The fund has a long and successful history of investing in and growing market-leading companies, and the Operating Partner is a critical component of their value creation strategy.
The Operating Partner will function as a strategic advisor and hands-on leader, working side-by-side with both the investment team and the management teams of portfolio companies. This role is not a traditional consulting position; it requires a leader who can roll up their sleeves and implement tangible changes that result in significant EBITDA improvement, operational efficiency, and long-term enterprise value. You will be the firm’s in-house expert on industrial operations, from the factory floor to the executive suite, influencing strategy from pre-acquisition due diligence through to a successful exit.
This position offers a unique opportunity to leverage your extensive operational and leadership experience across a diverse portfolio of industrial assets. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of these companies, mentoring C-suite executives, and driving best practices in areas such as lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, strategic pricing, and digital transformation. The ideal candidate is a results-driven, high-energy leader who thrives in a dynamic, performance-oriented environment and is passionate about building great businesses.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Industrials with a Large PE Fund – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and impactful, spanning the entire investment lifecycle. Success in this role requires a blend of strategic insight, operational expertise, and executive leadership.
Pre-Acquisition and Due Diligence:
- Partner with the investment team to evaluate potential acquisition targets within the Industrials sector.
- Lead operational due diligence, assessing a target’s operational capabilities, identifying key risks, and quantifying opportunities for improvement.
- Develop a preliminary value creation plan and a 100-day plan that will serve as the roadmap for post-acquisition transformation.
- Provide critical insights on industry trends, competitive landscapes, and technological disruptions that could impact an investment thesis.
Post-Acquisition Value Creation and Portfolio Management:
- Collaborate with portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams to refine and execute the value creation plan.
- Serve as a board member or a senior advisor, providing guidance, mentorship, and constructive challenges to the management team.
- Drive key strategic initiatives focused on top-line growth and margin expansion, including sales force effectiveness, pricing optimization, new product development, and market entry strategies.
- Champion operational excellence by implementing best practices such as lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, supply chain optimization, and strategic sourcing.
- Lead initiatives for capital efficiency, including working capital management and capital expenditure optimization.
- Support and guide the integration of bolt-on acquisitions, ensuring synergies are realized and cultural alignment is achieved.
Leadership, Talent, and Organizational Development:
- Act as a mentor and coach to portfolio company CEOs and other senior executives, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Assist in assessing and upgrading talent within portfolio companies, including recruiting key executives and building high-performing teams.
- Develop and implement robust performance management systems, ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are aligned with strategic objectives and effectively tracked.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Exit Strategy:
- Establish and monitor key operational and financial metrics across the portfolio, providing regular, insightful updates to the PE fund’s investment committee.
- Identify and mitigate potential risks within the portfolio companies.
- Work with the investment team and management to prepare companies for a successful exit, whether through a strategic sale, secondary buyout, or IPO, by ensuring the business is operationally sound and its growth story is compelling.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Industrials with a Large PE Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in operational leadership and a proven ability to create substantial shareholder value. The specific requirements for this role include:
Experience:
- A minimum of 20-25 years of progressive professional experience, with at least 10 years in a senior executive operational role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a significant industrial manufacturing, distribution, or services business.
- Demonstrable experience leading successful operational transformations that resulted in significant, measurable improvements in revenue, profitability, and cash flow.
- Prior experience working within a private equity environment as an Operating Partner, Operating Advisor, or a PE-backed portfolio company CEO/COO is strongly preferred.
- Deep and broad expertise across the Industrials sector, including but not limited to specialty manufacturing, industrial technology, value-added distribution, or business services.
- Proven experience in M&A, including due diligence, integration of acquisitions, and preparing a company for a successful sale.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Mastery of operational excellence methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints) and a track record of successfully implementing them.
- Exceptional financial acumen, with the ability to dissect financial statements, understand key business drivers, and translate operational improvements into financial results.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop a clear vision and execute a plan to achieve it.
- Outstanding leadership and influencing skills; able to build credibility and strong relationships with C-suite executives, board members, and investment professionals.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences.
Education & Personal Attributes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
- A hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality combined with high-level strategic perspective.
- High level of integrity, intellectual honesty, and a strong executive presence.
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach.
- Resilience, tenacity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
- Willingness to travel extensively to portfolio company locations as required.
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:
- A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial carried interest participation in the fund, providing a significant long-term wealth creation opportunity.
- Comprehensive executive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
- Allowances for professional development, continuing education, and wellness programs.
- The opportunity to work with a world-class team of investment professionals and executives.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical role. If you are a visionary operational leader with the experience and drive to create significant value across a portfolio of industrial companies, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. For more information on our firm and to explore our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity executive search practice page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
