Operations Associate

Career1Source - Executive Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Career1Source - Executive Recruiting is seeking an Operations Associate to support a fast-growing private equity portfolio. You will partner with portfolio leadership to drive performance, design scalable processes, and translate data into actionable insights across multiple companies.

This role blends strategy and hands-on execution, with visibility to senior executives and opportunities to lead value-creation initiatives, KPI dashboards, and operating cadences.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 cadencesIdentify opportunities for operational efficiency, organizational design, and strategic execution.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Private equity experience

Analytical skills

Project management

Travel willingness

5-10 years experience

Job description

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 cadencesIdentify 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

*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.