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For Companies At a Glance
- 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, bonuses, health cover, pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work closely with ambitious companies at critical growth stages.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting founders and shaping the future of innovative businesses.
- 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.
About NextStep
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.
About the Company
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.
The Role
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. This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.
Portfolio Director / Operating Partner employer: GetNextStep
Contact Detail:
GetNextStep Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Director / Operating Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Portfolio Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its portfolio. Understand their challenges and think about how your operational expertise can help them succeed. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website at getnextstep.com. Our AI-powered matching system is designed to connect you with the right opportunities, so don’t miss out on that chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Director / Operating Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what the Portfolio Director / Operating Partner role is all about. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the skills required. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out your profile, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in management consulting or operational roles. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of the portfolio companies. Be specific about your achievements and the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build trust quickly with founders and teams, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what makes you unique. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website at getnextstep.com. It’s super easy! Just create your profile, complete it, and let our matching system do the rest. No cover letter needed, so you can focus on showcasing your skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at GetNextStep
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Portfolio Director / Operating Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics and operational KPIs. Brush up on the key performance indicators relevant to the technology and software sectors, and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategic initiatives. Think about times when you identified value creation opportunities and how you executed plans that led to measurable outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you can think critically and act decisively.
✨Build Rapport with Founders
Interpersonal skills are crucial for this role. Practice how you would approach building trust with founders and CEOs. Consider role-playing scenarios where you might need to navigate sensitive discussions or provide constructive feedback, as this will highlight your ability to manage relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the B2B SaaS and technology sectors. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact portfolio companies and what strategies you would recommend to address them. This knowledge will position you as a well-informed candidate who can add immediate value.