Operating Partner (Interim) PE Portfolio Company, Transport & Agriculture UAE

Transformation Journeys; Dubai; On-site; AED 165,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Transformation Journeys is seeking an experienced Interim Operating Partner for a UAE portfolio company in Transport & Logistics or Food & Agriculture. The role demands a seasoned leader with a strong track record in transformation initiatives.

The successful candidate will oversee the transformation agenda, ensuring effective operational oversight, and close collaboration with executive leadership and the Board. This position offers £3,000 – £3,500 per day, initially for 3 months with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Experience as a CEO, COO, or equivalent in large organizations.
• Strong operational leadership background in complex environments.
• Experience with Private Equity investors and Boards.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the transformation agenda.
• Conduct rapid assessment of business performance.
• Identify and prioritize value creation opportunities.
• Develop a clear transformation roadmap.
• Engage closely with senior management and the Board.

Skills

Operational leadership

Transformation experience

Sector expertise in transport or agriculture

Results delivery in multinational environments

Job description

The Opportunity

A large Cap Private Equity Fund is seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Operating Partner to support one of its UAE portfolio companies operating in either Transport & Logistics or Food & Agriculture. This is a time critical role focused on rapid diagnosis, value creation, and execution, working closely with the portfolio CEO, investor leadership, and Board.

Role Mandate

The Operating Partner will take overall responsibility for shaping and driving the transformation agenda, including:

Rapid assessment of business performance, operational effectiveness, and organisational capability

Identification and prioritisation of value creation opportunities

Development of a clear transformation roadmap with defined initiatives and milestones

Active oversight and sponsorship of execution, supported by a hands-on Director level lead

Close engagement with senior management, Board representatives, and the investment team

Providing calm, credible leadership in high pressure operational environments

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

Prior experience as a CEO, COO, Managing Director, or equivalent in large, complex organisations

Strong operational and transformation leadership experience (turnarounds, scale ups, carve outs, integrations)

Sector experience in transport, logistics, infrastructure, industrials, food, agriculture, or adjacent asset heavy environments

A track record of delivering results in multinational, matrixed organisations

Comfort operating with ambiguity, pace, and limited infrastructure

Experience working with Private Equity investors and Boards

Availability to travel and spend time on the ground in the UAE (not full time)

Commercials

£3,000 – £3,500 per day, with flexibility for the right individual

Initial 3 month engagement with strong likelihood of extension