Cowen Partners Executive Search Outlines What to Look For in an Operating Partner
Operating partners are proven business leaders, functioning as either generalists or specialists, and have established track records of building shareholder value. They are usually more capable of developing strategies and leadership teams than a deal-oriented partner, and they are expected to spend more time levering their professional networks to successfully improve portfolio company value.[3]
They are usually former CEOs, COOs, CFOs, or CROs (Chief Revenue Officers) with significant deal experience in general or in the VC or PE’s target industry(es). They typically focus on strategic planning, commercial growth, operational efficiency and financial controls, and lever their analytical and industry experience to solve problems facing portfolio companies.
Private Equity Operating Partner Job Description: About the Company
Cowen Partners is a leader among the nation’s top private equity executive search firms. Nothing drives results and creates value for our private equity clients like finding them their next leader. Our hands-on executive recruiters have deep experience working with start-ups and pre-IPO companies, providing top talent and diverse candidates to fit an array of C-suite recruitment needs.
Cities include New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Phoenix.
Private Equity Operating Partner Job Description: About the Opportunity
Private equity firm focused on investing in middle market companies (EBITDA $10MM to $100MM). We focus on market-leading businesses with identifiable growth opportunities in a wide-range of industries.
We are seeking talented operating executives to either supplant or supplement the management teams of acquisition targets in their respective industries of expertise.
This will be a flexible relationship with opportunities to guide strategy, construct acquisition theses and participate in the execution of transactions in addition to the operating executive’s post-acquisition role.
Ideal partners will have demonstrated experience creating shareholder value in senior executive roles and a strong understanding of industry dynamics, value levers and trends. In addition, the right partner will provide expertise and a deep network of industry contacts to source potential acquisitions, support due diligence efforts and provide board level oversight to portfolio companies.
Work with CEOs on staffing strategies for established offices and expansion locations.
Manage full life cycle recruitment process and onboarding of Senior level executives and a new Chief Revenue Officers and Chief Sales Officers for two platforms.
Provide leadership in planning, forecasting, and due diligence to support the company growth and regional expansion objectives. Develop multi-year business scenarios to establish a planning foundation to assist senior level management in providing the structural needs for office systems and human capital support.
Assist the investors in identifying, prioritizing, and executing the key strategic initiatives across the business plans. Develop strategic direction and growth initiatives in a format that clearly outlines ROI for the sponsors approval.
Map out industry landscapes, develop a plan for partial growth through acquisitions and execute accordingly.
Strategically lead mapping revenue projections, budget forecasts, and production expense management.
Ensure that other companies within PE portfolio are collaborating and communicating across our portfolio of strategic initiatives, making sure that the right team members are included to ensure successful delivery of synergies.
Work with senior leaders to assess and develop their growth potential, effectiveness and performance. Partner with the individual strategic leaders of each business line to establish unit realistic performance objectives, training, education, coaching and mentoring.
Contribute to innovation efforts to continue to expand revenue opportunities and increase profitability across all platform investments.
Assist with growth initiatives to include more acquisitions and partnership identification strategies. Identify, research, and develop new opportunities/business ventures that fall within and outside of existing lines of business.
Identify and supervise human capital resources to leverage existing team to generate additional revenue.
Drive a continuous improvement mindset through the company culture.
Protect the confidentiality of information learned by developing protocols.
Comply with and outwardly support both the company and PE sponsors policies and procedure.
Operating Partner Job Description: Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Master of Business Administration (or commensurate experience) preferred.
10+ years of previous operational leadership experience.
5+ years managing direct and/or indirect reports. Regional leadership and oversight experience preferred.
Deep operations knowledge in resource planning, demand planning, business planning, corporate strategy, communications, leadership, benchmarking, and forecasting required.
Market research, analytical, financial modeling, metrics, and presentation skills required.
Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required.
Organizational and time management skills to prioritize workloads to meet time sensitive deadlines required. Must be results-oriented with the ability to change priorities as needed.
Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to interact with all associates, with the ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
Demonstrated ability to protect confidential information.
Ability to travel by automobile and aircraft and be away from home for more than one day and night.
Manage external relations to identify, diversify, build and maintain relationships with community and surrounding cities organizations and leaders to secure a range of support and partnerships.
Manage solicitations with board members and sponsors, and providing outcome reports. Lead cultivation and stewardship activities for charitable endeavors.
Operating Partner Job Description: Benefits, Culture, Etc.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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