Managing Director – Portfolio Operations & Value Creation

Role overview

This opportunity is with a middle-market private equity firm seeking a Managing Director focused on portfolio operations and value creation. The role is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin metro area and is designed for an experienced operator who can improve portfolio company performance, strengthen execution, and help maximize investment outcomes.

The position sits at the intersection of investment strategy and day-to-day business execution. The selected leader will work closely with portfolio company executives, boards, and the firm’s investment team across the full investment cycle.

What you will do

• Collaborate with CEOs, Presidents, CFOs, and other senior leaders at portfolio companies to elevate business results.
• Create and guide value creation roadmaps centered on top-line growth, EBITDA improvement, working capital efficiency, and scalable operating models.
• Support leadership teams with strategic planning, budget development, forecasting, KPI design, and execution discipline.
• Act as a Board observer or, in some cases, a Board member for selected investments.
• Find and pursue opportunities to increase profitability, productivity, and operating effectiveness across portfolio businesses.
• Lead projects in organizational structure, process enhancement, pricing, procurement, and performance management.
• Contribute to hiring senior leaders such as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other critical executives.
• Assist with post-acquisition integration work and synergy capture.
• Analyze financial performance, operating metrics, and key business drivers across the portfolio.
• Help manage annual budgets, forecasts, cash flow planning, and broader strategic planning.
• Evaluate capital allocation choices and new investment opportunities.
• Work with management teams to improve reporting quality, forecasting reliability, and financial rigor.
• Take part in operational and financial due diligence for potential acquisitions.
• Assess leadership teams, operating strengths, and value creation potential during transactions.
• Support investment committees with operational perspective and recommendations.
• Help portfolio companies prepare for recapitalizations, refinancing, and exit events.

Experience and qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years in leadership roles across operations, finance, corporate development, consulting, private equity, or private equity-backed businesses.
• Background as a CEO, President, COO, CFO, Managing Director, Operating Partner, or similar senior executive in a middle-market company.
• Proven ability to drive operational enhancements and stronger financial performance in growing organizations.
• Solid command of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and KPI-led management.
• Experience partnering directly with boards, investors, and executive teams.
• History of leading change, transformation, and growth initiatives.
• Private equity, portfolio operations, value creation, transaction advisory, consulting, or investment banking experience is preferred.
• Exposure to companies with revenue in the $25 million to $500 million range is preferred.
• Industry exposure in industrial services, business services, manufacturing, distribution, consumer, healthcare, or technology-enabled services is preferred.
• MBA, CPA, or another advanced business qualification is preferred.

Compensation

The package includes a competitive base salary, an annual performance bonus, and carried interest or equity participation.

Success profile

Success in this role means earning trust quickly with management teams and investment professionals, identifying high-impact improvement opportunities, and helping deliver measurable gains in growth, profitability, and enterprise value. It is a strong fit for an executive who combines operational leadership with financial sophistication and wants to help scale middle-market businesses alongside private equity investors.

Location

The role is based in the Dallas-Fort Worth or Austin metro area, with a hybrid working arrangement.