Role Overview for Operating Partner, Industrials with a Mid-Market PE Group – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm in their search for a highly accomplished Operating Partner focused on the Industrials sector. Based in the strategic hub of Houston, TX, this role is a critical component of the firm’s value creation strategy. The Operating Partner will act as a hands-on, strategic leader, working directly with portfolio company management teams to drive operational excellence, sustainable growth, and superior returns for investors. This is not a traditional consulting role; it is an immersive, results-driven position for a seasoned executive with a deep-seated passion for building great industrial businesses.
The ideal candidate is a former C-level executive (CEO, COO, President) from the industrial manufacturing or services space who possesses a proven track record of transforming businesses. You will serve as a trusted advisor and a catalyst for change, leveraging your extensive operational expertise to identify and implement high-impact initiatives across a diverse portfolio. You will be the bridge between the investment team’s financial objectives and the on-the-ground operational realities of the portfolio companies. Success in this role means materially enhancing enterprise value through strategic guidance, operational improvements, and leadership development, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the firm’s investments and solidifying its reputation as a top-tier partner for industrial businesses.
This position requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and practical, shop-floor credibility. You will be deeply involved in every stage of the investment lifecycle, from pre-acquisition due diligence to post-acquisition integration and, ultimately, a successful exit. You will work alongside some of the brightest minds in private equity, contributing to a collaborative and high-performance culture. If you are a transformative leader with a history of driving tangible results in the industrials sector and are seeking to apply your skills in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment, this opportunity offers an unparalleled platform for professional and financial growth.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Industrials with a Mid-Market PE Group – Houston, TX
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and integral to the firm’s success, spanning the entire investment lifecycle. You will be expected to deploy a comprehensive toolkit of operational and strategic skills to maximize portfolio value.
Pre-Acquisition Support & Due Diligence
- Collaborate with the investment team to evaluate potential acquisition targets within the industrials sector.
- Lead operational due diligence streams, assessing a target’s operational capabilities, manufacturing processes, supply chain, technology stack, and management team.
- Identify key operational risks, opportunities for improvement, and potential synergies to inform the investment thesis and valuation models.
- Develop preliminary 100-day plans and long-term value creation hypotheses for potential investments.
Post-Acquisition Integration & Value Creation
- Partner with newly acquired portfolio company leadership to refine and implement the 100-day plan, ensuring rapid alignment and momentum.
- Conduct deep-dive assessments of all operational functions to develop a detailed, multi-year value creation roadmap.
- Champion and lead strategic initiatives, including but not limited to: Lean manufacturing implementation, Six Sigma projects, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing, and pricing strategy enhancement.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality control, on-time delivery, and inventory management through the implementation of best practices and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Oversee capital expenditure projects, ensuring they deliver the expected ROI and are executed on time and within budget.
- Guide companies through digital transformation, including the adoption of ERP systems, data analytics, and automation technologies to drive competitive advantage.
Portfolio Company Leadership & Governance
- Serve as a mentor, coach, and strategic advisor to portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams.
- Participate in or lead board meetings, providing insightful guidance and holding management accountable for performance against strategic and financial plans.
- Assist in the recruitment, assessment, and development of key executive talent within the portfolio.
- Establish and monitor a robust framework of KPIs and financial reporting to ensure transparency and drive performance.
- Act as a key resource for troubleshooting complex operational challenges and navigating market disruptions.
Exit Strategy & Support
- Work with the investment team and portfolio company management to prepare businesses for a successful exit (e.g., strategic sale or IPO).
- Lead initiatives to maximize enterprise value ahead of a sale process, ensuring the company’s growth story and operational strengths are clearly articulated.
- Support the development of marketing materials and management presentations for the sale process.
- Participate in management meetings with potential buyers to provide deep insights into the company’s operational capabilities and future potential.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Industrials with a Mid-Market PE Group – Houston, TX
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in operational leadership and a proven ability to create substantial shareholder value. The requirements for this role are rigorous, reflecting its seniority and impact.
Experience
- A minimum of 20 years of progressive professional experience, with at least 10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility.
- Deep and demonstrable experience within the industrials sector, such as industrial manufacturing, specialty chemicals, value-added distribution, or industrial services.
- Direct experience working within a private equity-backed environment is strongly preferred, either as an executive in a portfolio company or as an operating partner/advisor.
- Proven track record of successfully leading operational transformations, turnarounds, or significant performance improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable increases in revenue, profitability, and enterprise value.
- Experience in M&A, including pre-close diligence and post-close integration, is essential.
Skills & Competencies
- Mastery of operational excellence methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and other continuous improvement frameworks.
- Exceptional financial acumen; the ability to dissect financial statements, understand key business drivers, and translate operational improvements into financial outcomes.
- Outstanding leadership and influencing skills; capable of building credibility and rapport with management teams, hourly workers, and financial sponsors.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to develop a long-term vision while simultaneously executing on near-term tactical plans.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including boards of directors and investment committees.
- A data-driven, analytical approach to problem-solving, coupled with sound business judgment.
- Unquestionable integrity, a strong work ethic, and a hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ mentality. The current state of US private equity dealmaking demands a proactive and adaptable approach.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive compensation and benefits package designed to reward top-tier talent for their contributions to the firm’s success. This is a unique opportunity to generate significant personal wealth through direct participation in the value you help create.
Competitive Compensation
A substantial base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus tied to both firm and individual performance.
Carried Interest
The opportunity to participate in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing meaningful long-term wealth creation potential directly aligned with investment success.
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 to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous vacation and paid time off policy to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continued learning, executive coaching, industry conferences, and professional memberships.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Houston area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this Operating Partner position. If your background and ambitions align with this unique opportunity to drive value creation within a leading private equity firm, we encourage you to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
To submit your application, please visit our practice area page and follow the instructions. We look forward to learning more about your accomplishments and discussing how you can make a significant impact with our client.
Please direct all inquiries and applications through our portal: Apply via JRG Partners Private Equity Recruiting.
