Role Overview for SVP, Operational Improvement with a PE-backed Co. – Phoenix, AZ
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a Senior Vice President of Operational Improvement for a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial services company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, designed for a results-driven leader who can architect and execute a world-class operational excellence strategy. The successful candidate will be a key member of the executive team, responsible for driving significant enterprise value creation through transformative process improvements, cost reductions, and efficiency gains across a multi-site network.
Our client is a market leader in its niche, poised for accelerated growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. The private equity sponsor has a clear investment thesis centered on operational optimization and margin expansion. As the SVP of Operational Improvement, you will be the catalyst for this transformation, instilling a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
You will have the autonomy and resources to build a best-in-class operational improvement function from the ground up, directly impacting the company’s profitability, scalability, and ultimate exit value. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on a dynamic organization, work alongside a talented leadership team, and share in the financial rewards of a successful private equity partnership.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, strategic operator with a proven track record of success within a complex, distributed service or manufacturing environment, preferably with prior experience in a PE-backed portfolio company. You are not just a strategist; you are a master of execution who thrives on the shop floor, collaborating with frontline teams to identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable solutions.
You possess deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies, coupled with exceptional financial acumen and the ability to translate operational metrics into financial outcomes. Your leadership will be instrumental in standardizing processes, optimizing the supply chain, enhancing quality, and ensuring the seamless integration of future acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Operational Improvement with a PE-backed Co. – Phoenix, AZ
Strategic Leadership & Value Creation Plan Execution
Partner with the CEO, COO, and private equity sponsors to develop and execute a comprehensive operational value creation plan. Translate high-level strategic goals into actionable, site-specific initiatives with clear timelines, KPIs, and financial targets. Serve as the primary driver of all continuous improvement activities across the enterprise.
Lean & Continuous Improvement Implementation
Champion the deployment of a robust continuous improvement culture. Lead Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping sessions, and 5S projects. Implement standardized work, visual management systems, and daily management routines to drive operational discipline and employee engagement. Serve as the subject matter expert on all things related to Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Performance Management & KPI Development
Design and implement a comprehensive operational KPI dashboard to track performance in key areas such as safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. Establish rigorous reporting and review cadences to monitor progress, identify deviations, and drive accountability at all levels of the organization.
Process Optimization & Standardization
Conduct deep-dive analyses of core business processes across all functions, including service delivery, maintenance, logistics, and back-office support. Identify and eliminate waste, reduce process variation, and implement best-in-class, standardized procedures across the company’s network of operating sites.
Supply Chain & Procurement Excellence
Collaborate with the procurement and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels, improve supplier performance, reduce logistics costs, and enhance overall supply chain resilience. Implement strategic sourcing initiatives and vendor management programs to drive material cost savings.
Change Management & Talent Development
Lead the cultural transformation towards an organization that embraces continuous improvement. Develop and deliver training programs to build Lean capabilities throughout the workforce. Mentor and coach site-level leadership and operational teams to become self-sufficient problem-solvers.
Capital Project & Footprint Optimization
Analyze the existing operational footprint and lead initiatives to optimize facility layout, workflow, and asset utilization. Develop business cases for capital investments in new technology, automation, or equipment that will drive step-change improvements in efficiency and capacity.
M&A Integration
Play a key role in the due diligence of potential acquisition targets from an operational perspective. Following an acquisition, lead the development and execution of a detailed integration plan to rapidly bring the acquired entity’s operations up to company standards and realize planned synergies.
Requirements for the SVP, Operational Improvement with a PE-backed Co. – Phoenix, AZ
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior, multi-site leadership role focused on operational improvement or operational excellence.
Private Equity Experience
Direct experience working within a private equity-backed portfolio company is strongly preferred. Must demonstrate a deep understanding of the pace, rigor, and value-creation focus inherent in a PE environment.
Industry Expertise
Experience in industrial services, manufacturing, distribution, or a related field with a complex, distributed operational footprint is essential.
Technical & Methodological Skills
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated mastery of a wide range of continuous improvement tools and methodologies (e.g., VSM, Kaizen, 5S, TPM, SMED, Root Cause Analysis).
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to build financial models, analyze P&L statements, and link operational improvements directly to EBITDA impact.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and ERP systems.
Leadership Competencies
- A proven change agent with exceptional influencing skills and the ability to drive transformation in a complex, established organization.
- A hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ leader who is comfortable on the shop floor as well as in the boardroom.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and complex ideas to a wide range of audiences.
- Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives from conception to completion.
- Data-driven and analytical mindset, balanced with practical business judgment.
Location & Travel
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Phoenix, AZ area. The role will require regular travel (estimated 30-50%) to various operating sites across the country.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus potential tied to both individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
A meaningful equity or synthetic equity stake in the company, providing a direct share in the value created through a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for ongoing education, executive coaching, certifications, and industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operational leader with a passion for driving value in a private equity setting, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and specific achievements in operational improvement.
JRG Partners specializes in placing top executive talent within high-growth organizations. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Private Equity Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity in more detail.
