Role Overview for Operating Partner (Supply Chain)
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with leading private equity firms and their portfolio companies, is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Operating Partner specializing in Supply Chain. This pivotal executive role is designed for a visionary leader with a profound understanding of global supply chain dynamics, operational excellence, and value creation within a private equity context. As an Operating Partner, you will be instrumental in driving significant operational improvements, strategic transformations, and sustainable growth across a diverse portfolio of companies.
You will serve as a trusted advisor, strategic planner, and hands-on implementer, working closely with executive teams of portfolio companies to optimize their supply chain functions, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and build robust, resilient operations. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, analytical rigor, and the ability to execute complex initiatives, ultimately contributing to substantial enterprise value for our clients and their investors.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale supply chain transformations, ideally within a private equity-backed environment or a top-tier management consulting firm focused on operations. You will leverage your deep industry knowledge and operational expertise to conduct due diligence, identify key improvement areas, develop actionable strategies, and oversee their implementation.
Your impact will span across various industries, requiring adaptability, a strong commercial mindset, and exceptional leadership skills to mentor and develop high-performing teams. This is more than just a consulting role; it’s an opportunity to embed yourself within organizations, drive tangible results, and significantly shape the future success of multiple enterprises.
Key Responsibilities of Operating Partner (Supply Chain)
Strategic Supply Chain Planning & Execution
Develop and implement cutting-edge, long-term supply chain strategies that align with the private equity investment thesis and drive significant value creation. This includes defining optimal network designs, sourcing strategies, inventory management policies, and distribution models across diverse portfolio companies. You will translate strategic vision into actionable plans and ensure their successful execution, often managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Operational Improvement & Efficiency
Lead comprehensive operational assessments and implement best practices such as Lean, Six Sigma, and process re-engineering to optimize all facets of the supply chain. Focus areas include demand planning, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. Drive initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, improve service levels, and shorten lead times.
Due Diligence & Value Creation
Play a critical role in pre-acquisition due diligence by evaluating the supply chain capabilities, risks, and opportunities of target companies. Post-acquisition, you will be responsible for developing and executing 100-day plans and multi-year value creation initiatives focused on supply chain optimization, identifying synergies, and driving integration efforts across newly acquired entities.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop high-potential supply chain leaders and teams within portfolio companies. Provide expert guidance and coaching to executive management on supply chain best practices, organizational design, and talent management. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Spearhead the adoption and implementation of advanced supply chain technologies, including ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), advanced planning systems, and data analytics platforms. Drive digital transformation initiatives leveraging AI, machine learning, IoT, and blockchain to enhance visibility, predictability, and efficiency across the entire supply chain ecosystem.
Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate global supply chain risks, including geopolitical disruptions, natural disasters, supplier failures, and market volatility. Develop and implement robust business continuity plans and strategies to enhance supply chain resilience, ensuring operational continuity and minimizing impact on profitability and customer service.
Supplier Relationship Management & Sourcing
Optimize global sourcing strategies, negotiate strategic contracts with key suppliers, and implement rigorous supplier performance management programs. Drive initiatives to consolidate purchasing, leverage economies of scale, and foster collaborative relationships that lead to innovation and cost savings.
Performance Measurement & Reporting
Define and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor supply chain performance effectively. Establish dashboards and reporting mechanisms to provide transparent, data-driven insights to executive teams, boards, and investors. Drive a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous performance improvement.
Requirements for the Operating Partner (Supply Chain)
Experience
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex, global supply chain roles, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., VP of Supply Chain, Chief Supply Chain Officer). Significant experience working as an Operating Partner for a private equity firm, within a private equity-backed portfolio company, or a top-tier management consulting firm with a focus on supply chain operations is highly preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA or Master’s degree from a reputable institution is strongly preferred.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex supply chain strategies that drive measurable financial and operational improvements. Proven track record of leading successful large-scale transformations and change management initiatives.
Operational Expertise
Deep understanding and hands-on experience with various supply chain functions, including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, demand planning, and inventory management. Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Financial & Commercial Savvy
Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze P&L statements, balance sheets, and cash flow to identify opportunities for value creation. Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control within a supply chain context.
Technical Proficiency
Expert-level knowledge and practical experience with major ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle), WMS, TMS, and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software. Familiarity with data analytics tools and business intelligence platforms.
Leadership & Communication
Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor to board room. Proven ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel extensively (typically 50-75%) to portfolio company sites, client meetings, and industry events, both domestically and internationally.
Benefits & Perks Offered
At JRG Partners, we understand that attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent requires a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package. For the Operating Partner (Supply Chain) role, we offer:
Highly Competitive Compensation
A robust base salary commensurate with experience, combined with significant performance-based bonuses tied to value creation and successful project outcomes.
Equity Participation
Opportunities for substantial equity participation and carried interest in portfolio companies, directly aligning your success with the overall fund performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, along with wellness programs and employee assistance initiatives.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions, designed to support your long-term financial security.
Generous Paid Time Off
Ample vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Significant investment in your continuous professional growth through executive education programs, industry conferences, certifications, and access to a vast network of industry leaders and mentors.
Impactful Work
The unique opportunity to drive transformative change and create substantial value across a diverse range of industries and businesses, making a tangible impact on economic growth.
Flexible Work Environment
While significant travel is required, we offer a remote-first work model with the flexibility to manage your schedule effectively.
Network Expansion
Unparalleled opportunities to build and expand your professional network within the private equity community, corporate leadership, and industry experts.
How to Apply
If you are an accomplished and results-oriented Supply Chain executive with a passion for driving operational excellence and creating significant value within a dynamic private equity environment, we invite you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to join a leading firm and make a profound impact on the future success of multiple enterprises.
To express your interest and be considered for this exclusive opportunity, please submit your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience, key achievements in supply chain transformation, and your approach to value creation in a private equity context. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial confidential discussion.
Learn more about JRG Partners’ expertise in executive search for supply chain and operations leadership by visiting our dedicated practice area: JRG Partners Supply Chain Executive Search.
