Associate Director – Portfolio Operations & Value Creation
Our client is a specialist alternative investment manager with a strong track record of investing in high-growth, lower mid-market businesses across the UK and Ireland. The firm partners closely with management teams to accelerate growth, enhance operational performance, and drive long-term value creation across its portfolio.
The firm is seeking to appoint an Associate Director to join its Portfolio Operations & Value Creation team. This individual will work closely with investment professionals and portfolio company leadership teams to identify, develop, and execute transformational initiatives that support growth, operational excellence, and shareholder value creation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support value creation initiatives across portfolio companies, working directly with senior management teams.
- Develop and execute operational improvement programmes focused on growth acceleration, margin enhancement, organisational effectiveness, and business transformation.
- Drive initiatives across commercial excellence, pricing, digital transformation, operational efficiency, procurement, and performance improvement.
- Establish and monitor KPIs and performance frameworks to track progress against value creation plans.
- Conduct operational assessments and support diligence processes on prospective investments.
- Collaborate closely with investment teams throughout the investment lifecycle, from acquisition through to exit.
- Prepare and present strategic recommendations, performance updates, and transformation plans to senior stakeholders and boards.
Candidate Profile
- 7–12 years of relevant experience within private equity portfolio operations, value creation, management consulting, corporate transformation, or operational leadership roles within PE-backed businesses.
- Demonstrated track record of leading and delivering complex transformation and performance improvement initiatives.
- Strong commercial, operational, and analytical capabilities.
- Experience influencing and working alongside senior executives and management teams.
- Ability to operate in a hands-on environment and drive implementation rather than purely advisory work.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Backgrounds
- Private Equity Portfolio Operations / Value Creation teams.
- Consulting firms with a focus on operational improvement, performance transformation, or private equity clients.
- Operational leadership roles within private equity-backed businesses.
- Experience working with lower mid-market companies.
The firm is particularly interested in candidates who combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, execution-oriented approach to value creation and business transformation.
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