Role Overview for President, Infrastructure with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth, private equity-backed services company in its search for a transformative President of Infrastructure. Based in the dynamic energy and engineering hub of Houston, TX, this executive will assume full P&L responsibility for the company’s largest and most critical division. This is a unique opportunity to step into a divisional CEO role, shaping the future of an organization poised for exponential growth and market leadership.
Our client is a market leader in providing specialized technical and operational services to a diverse range of infrastructure clients. With the substantial backing of a top-tier private equity firm, the company is executing an aggressive growth strategy centered on both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The President of Infrastructure will be the key architect and driver of this strategy, responsible for delivering exceptional financial results, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. This leader will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work closely with the executive leadership team and the PE sponsors to define and execute the company’s vision.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of successfully scaling an infrastructure-focused business, preferably within a private equity context. You are a strategic visionary who can also dive deep into the operational details, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Your leadership will be instrumental in integrating acquired businesses, optimizing service delivery, expanding market share, and building a world-class team. This role demands a unique blend of financial acumen, operational expertise, commercial savvy, and inspirational leadership to navigate the complexities of a fast-paced, metric-driven environment and capitalize on significant market opportunities.
Key Responsibilities of President, Infrastructure with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
The President of Infrastructure will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, financial oversight, operational management, and business development. Success in this role will be measured by the division’s top-line growth, EBITDA performance, safety record, and overall market position.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for the Infrastructure division that aligns with the overall corporate vision and value creation objectives of the PE sponsor.
- Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, service line extensions, and geographic expansion initiatives to drive sustainable, profitable growth.
- Lead the division’s M&A strategy, from target identification and due diligence to post-acquisition integration, ensuring seamless cultural and operational alignment and the realization of synergies.
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing critical insights and strategic guidance on all matters affecting the business.
- Act as the primary representative for the division with the Board of Directors, PE sponsors, investors, and other key stakeholders, providing regular, transparent updates on performance, strategy, and outlook.
Financial & P&L Management
- Assume full P&L ownership for the division, with direct responsibility for revenue growth, cost management, margin expansion, and EBITDA targets.
- Lead the annual budgeting and long-range financial planning process, establishing clear, achievable financial goals and KPIs.
- Implement robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure accurate forecasting, performance tracking, and timely decision-making.
- Drive initiatives to optimize working capital, improve cash flow, and maximize return on invested capital (ROIC).
- Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for performance improvement.
Operational Excellence & Safety
- Champion a world-class safety culture, ensuring that safety is the top priority in all operations and that the company maintains an industry-leading safety record.
- Drive operational excellence across all projects and service delivery functions, focusing on quality, efficiency, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction.
- Implement and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to monitor and manage performance across the division.
- Oversee resource planning, asset management, and supply chain functions to ensure optimal utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance processes, productivity, and service offerings across all critical infrastructure sectors.
Business Development & Commercial Leadership
- Develop and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key clients, industry partners, and government/regulatory bodies.
- Lead the division’s sales and business development teams to build a robust project pipeline and secure new, profitable contracts.
- Personally engage in high-level negotiations for major contracts and strategic partnerships.
- Enhance the company’s brand and market presence through thought leadership, industry involvement, and strategic marketing initiatives.
- Maintain a deep understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer needs to inform commercial strategy and pricing.
Requirements for the President, Infrastructure with a PE-backed Services Co. – Houston, TX
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in infrastructure services and a demonstrated ability to lead and scale a complex, multi-site organization. The specific qualifications and attributes include:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, etc.), Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within the infrastructure services industry. This could include sectors such as civil construction, utility services (T&D, water/wastewater), environmental services, or engineering consulting.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role with full P&L responsibility for a business unit or division with revenues exceeding $150M annually.
- Demonstrable experience working within a private equity-backed company is highly desirable. Candidates must understand the pace, metrics, and value-creation mindset inherent in a PE environment.
- Proven track record of driving significant organic growth and successfully leading and integrating multiple acquisitions.
Skills & Competencies
Strategic Mindset
Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop winning strategies in a competitive market.
Financial Acumen
Deep understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and the key levers for driving profitability and cash flow.
Operational Expertise
A hands-on leader who can drive process improvement, efficiency, and a culture of safety and quality.
Inspirational Leadership
Proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent. A leader who can build and motivate high-performing teams and foster a positive, accountable culture.
Commercial Acumen
Strong business development, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Ability to be the face of the company to key customers and partners.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from field personnel to the Board of Directors.
Decisiveness & Resilience
Ability to make tough, data-driven decisions quickly and navigate challenges in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling executive compensation package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
- A competitive and attractive base salary.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance metrics (e.g., EBITDA, safety).
- A substantial long-term incentive plan (LTIP), including a meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
- An executive-level relocation package for the successful candidate and their family, if required.
- Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. To be considered for this pivotal leadership opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We encourage you to highlight your experience in P&L management, M&A integration, and leadership within a private equity environment.
Qualified candidates will be contacted by a JRG Partners recruiter for a preliminary discussion. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Environmental Services Practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
