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- Tasks: Drive operational excellence and strategic growth for tech companies in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a leading UK growth equity fund with a focus on technology investments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private health cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of innovative businesses.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting founders and CEOs in their growth journey.
- Qualifications: 12-18 years in management consulting or C-suite roles, preferably in tech or software.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 190000 £ per year.
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high‑potential opportunities through smart, AI‑powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for a Portfolio Director / Operating Partner to join their team.
Our client is a UK‑based growth equity fund with £900m AUM, investing in founder‑led technology and software businesses at the Series B–D stage. With a portfolio of 18 active investments and a strong belief that operational value creation is as important as financial structuring, they are building out their operating team to provide intensive, hands‑on support to portfolio companies at critical inflection points. This is a newly created and highly influential role within the fund.
As Portfolio Director / Operating Partner, you will work directly with the management teams of portfolio companies, bringing operational expertise, strategic rigour, and commercial experience to bear on the challenges that determine whether a business reaches its potential. You will typically be embedded within one or two companies at a time, working alongside founders and CEOs on the issues that matter most to the fund's return.
What You'll Do
- Conduct rapid operational and strategic diagnostics across portfolio companies, identifying the highest‑priority value creation opportunities.
- Work alongside portfolio company leadership teams to design and implement improvement initiatives spanning growth, operations, and organisational capability.
- Support portfolio company CEOs on specific high‑priority challenges, including go‑to‑market strategy, pricing, hiring, and operating model design.
- Contribute to the investment team's due diligence on new deals by providing an operational perspective on target companies.
- Build and maintain a trusted adviser relationship with portfolio company founders and boards.
What We're Looking For
- 12–18 years of experience in management consulting (Partner or Engagement Manager level), private equity operating teams, or a C‑suite operational role in a technology or software business.
- Proven ability to drive meaningful operational and commercial improvement in a hands‑on capacity.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build trust quickly with founders and manage the nuances of operating in a portfolio company context.
- Commercially sharp and analytically rigorous, comfortable moving between strategic thinking and practical implementation.
- Experience in B2B SaaS, software, or technology services is strongly preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of £150,000 – £190,000, depending on experience.
- Carried interest from the current fund vehicle.
- Annual cash bonus with fund performance component.
- Private health cover, pension, and flexible working arrangements.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.
Portfolio Director / Operating Partner in London employer: GetNextStep
Contact Detail:
GetNextStep Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Director / Operating Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to connections in the industry, especially those who might know about opportunities in growth equity or tech. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past successes in operational improvement and strategic initiatives. This will help you stand out when discussing your fit for the Portfolio Director role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and how you can contribute, especially in areas like B2B SaaS or technology services.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Creating your profile at getnextstep.com is super easy and helps us match you with the right opportunities. Plus, no cover letter needed – just focus on showcasing your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Director / Operating Partner in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to understand what we at StudySmarter are all about. Familiarise yourself with our mission and values so you can reflect that in your application.
Tailor Your Profile: Make sure your profile on our website highlights your relevant experience and skills. Use keywords from the job description to show how you fit the role of Portfolio Director / Operating Partner.
Showcase Your Impact: When filling out your application, focus on specific examples where you've made a real impact in previous roles. We love to see how you've driven operational improvements or strategic initiatives.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want to see your professional side, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at GetNextStep
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Director / Operating Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to operational performance and financial structuring. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a hands-on approach to operational challenges. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented improvement initiatives in previous positions. Highlight your ability to work closely with leadership teams and the impact of your contributions.
✨Build Rapport Quickly
Interpersonal skills are crucial for this position. Practice how you can quickly establish trust with founders and CEOs. Think about your communication style and be prepared to share instances where you've navigated complex relationships in a portfolio company context.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in high-level strategic conversations during the interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends in B2B SaaS and technology services. Prepare to discuss how you would approach go-to-market strategies and operational model design for portfolio companies.