What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Associate position at Career1Source - Executive Recruiting?
Operations Associate (Private Equity Portfolio Support)
Location: Chicago, IL
We are partnering with an outstanding, high-growth, middle-market private equity firm to add a key member to its internal operations team. This group acts as the firm’s in-house value creation engine—working directly with executive teams across a diverse portfolio to drive performance, accelerate growth, and support transformational initiatives.
This is a highly visible role offering a unique blend of strategy and execution, with exposure to multiple businesses and leadership teams. It’s an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building scalable processes, and making a tangible impact in a private equity environment.
What You’ll Do
- Partner with portfolio company leadership and investment teams to drive operational and financial improvements
- Lead and execute key value creation initiatives including revenue growth, cost optimization, and process enhancement
- Support post-acquisition integration efforts and establish performance management frameworks
- Build and implement KPI dashboards, reporting tools, and operating cadences
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiency, organizational design, and strategic execution
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive teams, helping translate data into actionable insights
What We’re Looking For
- 5–10 years of experience in consulting, private equity, corporate strategy, or operational leadership roles
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive measurable business impact
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset
- Ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders and operate in fast-paced environments
- Excellent communication and project management skills
- Willingness to travel as needed
Why This Role
- Direct exposure to private equity investing and value creation
- Opportunity to work across multiple industries and business models
- Clear path toward leadership roles within portfolio companies
- High-impact, high-visibility position within a growing platform
If this sounds like you or if you know of someone who might be interested, don’t hesitate to reach out today!
*Candidates must be eligible to work in the US as well as meet the qualifications listed above in order to be considered for the Operations Associate job.