Role Overview for Operating Partner, Pharma with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained by a dynamic and growth-oriented mid-market private equity firm to identify a seasoned Operating Partner with deep expertise in the pharmaceutical sector. This is a pivotal leadership role based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina, a key component of the renowned Research Triangle Park. Our client has a distinguished track record of successfully investing in and scaling middle-market companies, with a strategic focus on the healthcare and life sciences industries. They are seeking a transformational leader to act as a strategic partner to both the investment team and the management of their pharmaceutical portfolio companies.
The Operating Partner will be instrumental in driving value creation across the firm’s pharma assets. This role is not merely advisory; it is a hands-on, high-impact position that requires a unique blend of operational prowess, strategic foresight, and financial acumen. You will be responsible for identifying operational improvement opportunities, developing and implementing strategic initiatives, and mentoring C-suite executives to achieve ambitious growth targets. The ideal candidate will have a proven history as a senior executive (CEO, COO, President) within the pharmaceutical industry, possessing a comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain, from drug development and clinical trials to manufacturing and commercialization.
Your expertise will be critical during the due diligence process for new acquisitions and, more importantly, post-acquisition in steering portfolio companies toward a successful exit. You will be a key architect of growth, leveraging your deep industry knowledge and network to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of current pharmaceutical industry trends and the ability to translate them into actionable growth strategies.
This is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative and entrepreneurial PE firm and make a tangible impact on a portfolio of innovative pharmaceutical businesses. You will work alongside a talented team of investment professionals, sharing insights and shaping the firm’s investment thesis in the pharma space. If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for building great companies and a deep-seated expertise in the pharmaceutical world, we encourage you to apply for this career-defining role.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Pharma with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Raleigh, NC
The Operating Partner will have a broad and influential mandate, focusing on maximizing the value of the firm’s pharmaceutical investments. Key responsibilities are comprehensive and span the entire investment lifecycle:
Investment Due Diligence
Collaborate closely with the deal team on pre-acquisition due diligence. Lead the operational assessment of target companies, evaluating manufacturing processes (cGMP), supply chain integrity, quality and regulatory compliance, R&D pipeline viability, and commercial infrastructure. Identify key risks and opportunities to inform investment decisions and valuation.
Value Creation Strategy & Implementation
For newly acquired assets, lead the development of a strategic 100-day plan and a long-term value creation roadmap. Work hand-in-hand with portfolio company leadership to execute these plans, focusing on areas such as operational efficiency, cost optimization, product launch excellence, market access expansion, and strategic pricing.
Hands-On Operational Leadership
Act as a senior advisor, board member, or interim executive for portfolio companies. Provide direct support and mentorship to management teams to drive performance improvements across all functional areas, including clinical operations, manufacturing scale-up, supply chain optimization, and sales and marketing effectiveness.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Establish robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting dashboards to monitor operational and financial performance against budget and strategic goals. Provide regular, insightful updates to the PE firm’s investment committee and Limited Partners, highlighting progress, challenges, and forward-looking action plans.
Executive Talent Management
Assess the capabilities of existing management teams within portfolio companies. Lead initiatives to recruit, develop, and retain top-tier executive talent. Act as a coach and mentor to portfolio company CEOs and their direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Guide portfolio companies in identifying and executing strategic initiatives, including add-on acquisitions, new product development, international expansion, and strategic partnerships. Leverage your industry network to facilitate key introductions and business development opportunities.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Ensure portfolio companies maintain the highest standards of regulatory compliance with the FDA and other global health authorities. Provide expert guidance on navigating complex regulatory pathways and mitigating compliance risks.
Exit Planning and Execution
Work with the investment team and portfolio company management to prepare businesses for a successful exit. This includes optimizing operational performance, refining the strategic narrative, and participating in the sale process to maximize shareholder returns.
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Pharma with a Mid-Market PE Firm – Raleigh, NC
The successful candidate will be a distinguished leader with a formidable track record of success within the pharmaceutical industry and a deep understanding of the private equity landscape. The requirements for this role are stringent, reflecting its strategic importance.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry, including at least 5-10 years in a C-suite role (e.g., CEO, COO, President, or General Manager) with full P&L responsibility.
Deep Pharmaceutical Domain Expertise
Comprehensive knowledge of the entire drug lifecycle, from discovery and preclinical development through clinical trials, regulatory approval (FDA/EMA), cGMP manufacturing, and commercial launch. Experience with specialty pharma, generics, biologics, or CDMOs is highly advantageous.
Private Equity Acumen
Direct experience working as an Operating Partner for a private equity firm is strongly preferred. Alternatively, candidates must have significant experience working within a PE-backed pharmaceutical company, demonstrating a clear understanding of the value creation levers, reporting cadences, and exit-oriented mindset required in a leveraged environment.
Operational Transformation Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading operational improvement and business transformation initiatives that resulted in significant, measurable growth in revenue and EBITDA. Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies is a plus.
Financial Sophistication
Strong financial literacy with the ability to dissect financial statements, build operating models, and understand the key financial drivers that create enterprise value.
Mergers & Acquisitions Experience
Experience in evaluating M&A targets, conducting operational due diligence, and leading post-merger integration efforts is essential.
Leadership and Mentoring Skills
Proven ability to influence and lead without direct authority. A natural coach and mentor with experience in building and developing high-performing executive teams. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and board-level presentation skills are required.
Educational Background
An advanced degree such as an MBA, PhD, or MD is highly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, or business-related field is required.
Location & Travel
The candidate must be willing to be based in the Raleigh, NC area and travel extensively to portfolio company sites as needed to drive performance.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus tied to both firm and portfolio company performance.
Carried Interest
A substantial opportunity for wealth creation through participation in the fund’s carried interest, directly aligning your success with the success of the investments you oversee.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with wellness programs and health savings accounts.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for attending industry conferences, executive education programs, and other professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of the industry.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family to move to the Raleigh, NC area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive executive search firm retained for this critical engagement. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications. For more information on our expertise in recruiting top-tier executives for investment firms, please visit our Private Equity Executive Search practice. We look forward to reviewing your application.
