Portfolio Operations Director (Private Equity)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Standardize marketing and sales operations across multiple portfolio companies to drive consistent revenue growth.
• Conduct operational due diligence on potential acquisitions to identify value-creation opportunities.
• Implement key performance indicators and reporting frameworks to track business health for the investment committee.
• Collaborate with portfolio company CEOs to recruit and develop high-performing management teams.
• Execute cost-reduction strategies and procurement optimizations to improve EBITDA margins.
• Guide companies through the transition from founder-led operations to institutional-grade management structures.
• Manage the integration process for add-on acquisitions to ensure synergy capture and cultural alignment.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of experience in management consulting or senior operational leadership.
• Proven track record of driving measurable EBITDA growth within a corporate or private equity context.
• Bachelor degree in business, finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Expertise in financial modeling and the interpretation of complex operational data.
• Extensive experience in change management and organizational design within mid-market companies.

Nice to have

• Master of Business Administration from a top-tier institution.
• Previous experience as a C-suite executive in a private equity-backed company.
• Deep vertical expertise in a specific industry such as manufacturing, SaaS, or healthcare.
• Certification in Six Sigma or similar operational excellence frameworks.

Work environment

• Frequent travel to various portfolio company locations is a standard requirement.
• Work is conducted in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines centered around quarterly reporting.
• Collaboration occurs primarily with investment partners, board members, and portfolio executives.
• Hours are often extended during intensive transformation phases or exit cycles.
• Office settings range from corporate headquarters to industrial manufacturing sites.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages typically include significant performance-based bonuses tied to fund success.
• Participation in carry or co-investment schemes provides potential for long-term wealth creation.
• Career progression leads to Managing Director or Operating Partner roles within the private equity firm.
• Opportunities exist to transition into CEO or COO roles within the broader portfolio network.
• The role provides exposure to diverse business models and industries in a short period.