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# Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL



Role Overview for Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, middle-market Private Equity group in their search for a highly experienced and results-driven Operating Partner with a specialization in the Industrials sector. Based in Chicago, IL, this is a pivotal role designed for a senior executive who has a proven track record of driving significant operational improvements and creating substantial enterprise value within manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Our client has a long history of successful investments and is known for its collaborative, hands-on approach to building market-leading businesses.
The Operating Partner will act as a strategic resource to both the investment team and the leadership of portfolio companies. This individual will be instrumental from the late stages of due diligence through the entire ownership lifecycle, culminating in a successful exit. You will be the firm’s in-house expert on operational excellence, responsible for identifying opportunities, developing and implementing value creation plans (VCPs), and mentoring executive teams to achieve their full potential. This is not a consulting role; it is a hands-on leadership position requiring a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ mentality, deep functional expertise, and the executive presence to influence change at all levels of an organization.
The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational acumen, and financial sophistication, enabling them to translate broad objectives into tangible, measurable results. You will serve as a critical link between the financial sponsorship of the private equity firm and the day-to-day operational realities of the portfolio companies, ensuring alignment and accelerating growth.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner’s responsibilities are broad and dynamic, directly impacting the performance and valuation of the firm’s industrial assets. Key duties include:
Due Diligence & Acquisition Support
Collaborate closely with the deal team during the late stages of the investment process. Conduct comprehensive operational due diligence to assess a target company’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential for improvement. Identify key operational risks and opportunities, and quantify the potential for value creation to inform investment theses and valuation models.
Value Creation Plan (VCP) Development
Immediately following an acquisition, lead the development of a detailed 100-day plan and a long-term, multi-year VCP in partnership with the portfolio company’s management team. This plan will serve as the strategic roadmap for the investment period.
Operational Transformation & Implementation
Act as the primary driver for implementing the VCP. This includes leading initiatives in areas such as lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, strategic sourcing and procurement, sales and operations planning (S&OP), pricing strategy, and working capital management. You will champion best practices in advanced industrial operations to drive efficiency and margin expansion.
Leadership Mentorship & Development
Serve as a trusted advisor, coach, and mentor to portfolio company CEOs and their senior leadership teams. Help build high-performing teams, upgrade talent where necessary, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Performance Monitoring & Governance
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and robust reporting dashboards to monitor progress against the VCP. Regularly participate in board meetings, providing insightful analysis and actionable recommendations to both the management team and the investment committee.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI)
For add-on acquisitions, lead the PMI process to ensure a smooth and rapid integration of operations, systems, and cultures to realize planned synergies and minimize disruption.
Capital Project Oversight
Provide expert oversight on major capital expenditure projects, ensuring they are strategically sound, executed on time and on budget, and deliver the expected return on investment.
Exit Preparedness
As the investment matures, work with the management and deal teams to prepare the company for a successful exit. This involves ensuring that operational improvements are sustainable, financial reporting is pristine, and the growth story is compelling for potential buyers or public markets.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Industrials with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
The successful candidate will be a seasoned industrial operator with a history of transformative leadership. The qualifications and attributes we are seeking include:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive professional experience, including at least 5-10 years in a significant P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) within an industrial manufacturing, distribution, or B2B services company with revenues exceeding $100 million.
Private Equity Environment
Demonstrable experience working within the private equity ecosystem is strongly preferred. This includes prior experience as an Operating Partner/Advisor or as a C-level executive in one or more successful PE-backed portfolio companies.
Functional Expertise
Deep, hands-on expertise in a variety of operational improvement methodologies is required. This includes, but is not limited to, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing, and Sales Force Effectiveness.
Industry Domain Knowledge
Broad experience across the industrials landscape is essential. This could include sectors such as specialty chemicals, engineered products, industrial technology, automation, building products, or value-added distribution.
Financial Acumen
A strong command of corporate finance and accounting principles. Must be able to read and interpret financial statements, understand the key drivers of an LBO model, and engage in sophisticated financial discussions with investment professionals.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Exceptional influencing and communication skills are paramount. The ability to build credibility and establish rapport with diverse stakeholders, from shop floor employees to the board of directors, is critical for success. Must have a high EQ and a collaborative, ‘player-coach’ leadership style.
Logistics
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Chicago area. The role requires significant travel (estimated 50-70%) to portfolio company locations across North America.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package designed to reward top-tier talent for their contributions to value creation. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A compelling package that includes 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 success of the investments you influence.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, as well as robust wellness programs.
Retirement Planning
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous policy for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships to ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
Unparalleled Impact
The unique and professionally fulfilling opportunity to guide the transformation of multiple companies, create thousands of jobs, and generate substantial wealth for all stakeholders.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a transformative industrial leader who meets the qualifications outlined above and is passionate about creating value through operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. Interested candidates should direct their applications through our dedicated portal. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit JRG Partners’ Private Equity Practice. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your background aligns with this exciting role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.