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# Operating Partner, Services with a Large Private Equity Fund – Chicago, IL


Role Overview for Operating Partner, Services with a Large Private Equity Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a premier, large-cap private equity fund in their search for a highly accomplished Operating Partner with a specialization in the Services sector. Based in their dynamic Chicago office, this is a pivotal role designed for a seasoned executive who combines deep operational expertise with a strategic, investor-centric mindset. The Operating Partner will act as a critical resource, working hand-in-hand with the firm’s investment professionals and the leadership teams of its portfolio companies to drive transformative growth and maximize enterprise value.
This is not a traditional investment role; it is a hands-on leadership position focused on post-acquisition value creation. The successful candidate will be a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ leader, responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and executing strategic and operational initiatives across a diverse portfolio of services-based businesses. These may include business services, tech-enabled services, professional services, and managed services companies.
You will serve as a trusted advisor, mentor, and change agent, leveraging your extensive industry experience to instill best practices, accelerate performance, and prepare companies for successful exits. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record of P&L ownership, operational turnarounds, and driving sustainable, profitable growth within complex service organizations. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact a significant portfolio of companies and share in the value created through a substantial carried interest component.
 
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner, Services with a Large Private Equity Fund – Chicago, IL
The Operating Partner will be a key member of the firm’s portfolio operations group, with responsibilities spanning the entire investment lifecycle. Your primary focus will be on driving tangible improvements and financial results within the portfolio.
Pre-Acquisition and Due Diligence:

Collaborate closely with deal teams during the late stages of due diligence to assess the operational health and potential of target companies.
Conduct deep-dive operational analyses, identifying key risks, untapped opportunities, and potential levers for value creation.
Validate the operational assumptions within the investment thesis and contribute to the development of a preliminary 100-day plan and long-term value creation roadmap.
Evaluate the strength of the target’s management team and organizational structure.

Post-Acquisition Value Creation and Portfolio Management:

Partner with portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams to refine and execute comprehensive value creation plans.
Lead the implementation of operational excellence initiatives, including but not limited to: go-to-market strategy optimization, sales force effectiveness, pricing strategy, digital transformation, cost structure optimization, and working capital management.
Act as a coach and mentor to portfolio company executives, providing guidance on strategic challenges and leadership development. Assist in recruiting and onboarding key senior talent as needed.
Establish robust Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboards and reporting frameworks to monitor performance against strategic goals and financial targets.
Chair or participate in regular operational review meetings, holding management teams accountable for results and providing constructive support to overcome obstacles.
Guide portfolio companies through the integration of add-on acquisitions, ensuring the realization of cost and revenue synergies.
Introduce and champion best practices in private equity value creation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making across the portfolio.

Firm-Level Contribution and Exit Strategy:

Contribute to the PE firm’s intellectual capital by developing and codifying playbooks and best practices for the Services sector.
Leverage your professional network to source proprietary deal flow, identify potential executive talent, and connect portfolio companies with valuable resources.
Work with the investment team and portfolio company management to prepare businesses for a successful exit, whether through a strategic sale or an IPO, by ensuring the operational and financial story is compelling and well-documented.

 
Requirements for the Operating Partner, Services with a Large Private Equity Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a world-class operator with a demonstrated history of creating significant shareholder value. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Professional Experience:

A minimum of 20 years of progressive leadership experience, including significant P&L ownership as a CEO, COO, or President of a services-based company with substantial scale and complexity.
Deep and specific domain expertise within one or more sub-sectors of the services industry (e.g., BPO, IT services, facilities management, professional services, marketing services, human capital management).
Prior experience in a private equity environment, either as an Operating Partner or as a PE-backed CEO/COO, is strongly preferred.
A proven and quantifiable track record of driving significant operational improvements, resulting in material revenue growth and EBITDA margin expansion.
Hands-on experience leading major corporate initiatives such as business model transformation, post-merger integration, strategic pricing implementation, and digital enablement.
Experience navigating the full business lifecycle, from high-growth phases to turnarounds, and successfully preparing a company for a liquidity event.

Skills and Competencies:
Strategic and Operational Acumen
Ability to toggle between a high-level strategic viewpoint and a detailed, hands-on operational focus. Mastery of operational frameworks and toolkits (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
Financial Sophistication
Strong financial literacy is essential. Must be able to dissect financial statements, understand the key drivers of a business, and contribute to financial modeling and analysis.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional executive presence and interpersonal skills. The ability to build immediate credibility and forge strong, trust-based relationships with CEOs, management teams, and investment professionals. A ‘low-ego’ collaborator who leads through influence, not authority.
Analytical Rigor
A data-driven and hypothesis-led approach to problem-solving. Capable of quickly diagnosing complex business issues and developing pragmatic, actionable solutions.
Communication Skills
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills. Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a variety of stakeholders.
Education and Personal Attributes:

An undergraduate degree in business, engineering, finance, or a related discipline is required.
An MBA from a top-tier academic institution is highly desirable.
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong work ethic, and a deep sense of accountability.
Resides in or is willing to relocate to the greater Chicago area, with the ability to travel extensively to portfolio company locations.

 
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to reward top-tier talent, including:
Total Compensation
A highly competitive package consisting of a substantial base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a lucrative carried interest participation in the fund, providing a direct share in the value you help create.
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Access to comprehensive wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous employer matching contribution.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and a culture that respects the importance of personal time.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for ongoing professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate if required.
 
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting JRG Partners’ Private Equity Practice group. We look forward to reviewing your application.