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# VP, M&A Integration with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL



Role Overview for VP, M&A Integration with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, growth-oriented Private Equity firm based in the heart of Chicago. Our client has a distinguished track record of acquiring and scaling middle-market companies across various sectors. They are seeking a highly strategic and operationally-focused Vice President of M&A Integration to play a pivotal role in their value creation strategy. This is a newly created position, reporting directly to the Operating Partner, designed to professionalize and lead the firm’s post-acquisition integration efforts across its diverse and growing portfolio.
The VP of M&A Integration will be the central architect and driver of success for newly acquired platform companies and strategic add-on acquisitions. This executive will be responsible for ensuring that the investment thesis is realized through seamless and effective integration. You will develop, implement, and refine a standardized integration playbook while tailoring strategies to the unique needs of each portfolio company.
This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, operational expertise, and exceptional leadership to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives. You will work hand-in-hand with deal teams, portfolio company C-suite executives, and functional leaders to drive synergy realization, operational improvements, and cultural alignment. The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and is passionate about building sustainable, long-term value. Your success will be measured by the speed and effectiveness of integrations, the achievement of targeted financial synergies, and the overall operational health and growth trajectory of the integrated businesses.
Key Responsibilities of VP, M&A Integration with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
The VP of M&A Integration will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, acting as the primary orchestrator of all post-close activities. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Integration Strategy & Playbook Development
Design, build, and continuously refine a comprehensive M&A integration framework and playbook for the firm. This playbook will serve as the standard methodology for all portfolio acquisitions, covering all functional areas from finance and HR to IT and sales.
Pre-Close Planning and Due Diligence
Collaborate closely with the deal team during the late stages of due diligence to identify potential integration risks, challenges, and opportunities. Develop a preliminary integration thesis, synergy model, and high-level roadmap before the transaction closes.
Post-Close Execution Leadership
Lead the execution of detailed integration plans, including the critical ‘first 100 days’ plan. Establish and manage a dedicated Integration Management Office (IMO) for each acquisition, ensuring clear governance, roles, and responsibilities.
Cross-Functional Team Management
Direct and motivate cross-functional teams comprised of members from the PE firm, the acquired company, and the platform company. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure alignment and effective execution across all workstreams, including Finance, HR, IT, Legal, Operations, Sales, and Marketing.
Synergy and Value Capture
Take ownership of the synergy case, developing detailed plans to track and realize both cost and revenue synergies identified during due diligence. Implement robust tracking mechanisms and report progress regularly to senior stakeholders, holding teams accountable for delivering on targets.
Change Management and Communications
Develop and execute a comprehensive change management and communications plan to ensure a smooth transition for employees, customers, and suppliers. Proactively address cultural differences and work to build a unified, high-performing organization. This involves a deep understanding of effective post-merger integration to foster a cohesive culture.
Stakeholder Reporting and Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for all integration-related activities. Prepare and present regular, detailed progress reports, dashboards, and financial updates to the PE firm’s partners, investment committee, and portfolio company boards.
Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks and issues that could impede a successful integration. Develop contingency plans and escalate critical issues with recommended solutions in a timely manner.
Performance Monitoring
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the health and success of the integration process. Conduct post-mortems and lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement in the firm’s integration capabilities.
Best Practice Evangelist
Act as the firm’s subject matter expert on M&A integration, providing guidance, training, and support to deal teams and portfolio company leadership to build a core competency in integration across the organization.
Requirements for the VP, M&A Integration with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of leading complex M&A integrations and driving tangible value creation. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience, with at least 7+ years in a dedicated M&A integration, corporate development, or strategy role. Direct experience working within a private equity firm or for a PE-backed portfolio company is highly desirable.
Integration Expertise
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading multiple full-cycle M&A integrations, from due diligence through to full operational consolidation. Experience with both platform acquisitions and smaller add-on deals is essential.
Functional Acumen
Deep understanding across a wide range of business functions, including finance (P&L management, financial reporting), human resources (talent assessment, culture), IT (systems integration), and operations (supply chain, manufacturing).
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence and align senior executives and manage large, cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority. Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and drive results in a high-pressure environment.
Project Management
World-class project and program management skills. Formal training or certification (e.g., PMP) is a plus. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Analytical & Financial Skills
Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Must be able to dissect complex business problems, interpret financial data, and build robust models to track synergies and project performance.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences, from C-suite executives to frontline employees.
Personal Attributes
A self-starter with a strong work ethic and a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ mentality. High emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to build rapport and trust quickly. Must be comfortable with significant travel to portfolio company locations as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct stake in the success of the investments.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous PTO policy, including company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including conferences, certifications, and executive education.
Prime Location
A modern office located in downtown Chicago, easily accessible via public transportation and complete with state-of-the-art amenities.
How to Apply
This is a unique opportunity to shape the value creation strategy of a leading Private Equity firm. If you are a seasoned integration leader with the skills and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this search. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Private Equity Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.