Operating Partner | Private Equity Portfolio Company

⌨️ Job Code: HL-311-C Up to 250k All-in + Sub-Participation and Exit Kicker On-Site Work in Norway/Sweden 4-5 Days a Week

About our client Our client is a European investment firm focused on operational transformation, carve-outs and sustainable value creation in mid-sized businesses.

As part of a potential transaction, a Northern European multi-site distribution business will be separated from a larger corporate group and established as an independent platform. The company operates a broad branch and showroom network and serves primarily professional customers, with additional exposure to project-driven and selective end-customer business.

Closing is targeted for mid-2026. An Operating Partner will be appointed ahead of closing to assume full operational responsibility post-acquisition.

The primary transformation focus will be on one of the core country operations, which currently underperforms relative to the rest of the group.

Your role As Operating Partner, you will assume full operational responsibility for the group post-closing, with a clear mandate to restructure and improve performance. You will act as an operational CEO / turnaround leader — hands-on, present on site and closely aligned with the shareholder. In parallel, you will ensure full stand-alone readiness in both countries following the carve-out (IT, finance, procurement, reporting, governance). This is explicitly not a board-only role, but a hands-on executive position with direct P&L responsibility.

Key responsibilities Restructuring & Turnaround Full operational leadership of the restructuring with P&L accountability. Delivery of positive cash flow and sustainable EBITDA improvement. Optimization of cost structures and fixed cost base. Review and efficiency enhancement of the branch network. Improvement of gross margins and active procurement steering. Rigorous working capital optimization. Carve-out & Stand-Alone Setup Establishment of independent finance, IT, procurement and reporting structures. Implementation of transparent KPI and performance management systems. Ensuring robust liquidity planning and cash transparency. Implementation of governance and management structures fit for a stand-alone business. Stabilization and development of the leadership structure. Close collaboration with the shareholder on the transformation roadmap. Establishment of a performance-driven culture with clear accountability.

Your profile Proven leadership experience in multi-site distribution, trade or adjacent B2B-driven industries. Demonstrated turnaround and/or restructuring track record in multi-site environments. Strong financial acumen (P&L, cash flow, working capital). Carve-out and post-merger integration experience is a plus. Experience in a Private Equity environment is advantageous. Willingness to spend significant time on the ground in Norway and Sweden. Fluent English required; Norwegian or Swedish beneficial. Residence in Germany not required. Ideally, you have previously served as CEO / Managing Director of a portfolio company or led complex transformation programs in an executive capacity.

What to expect Full operational mandate with a clear turnaround mission. Direct impact on cash flow, EBITDA and value creation. Close collaboration with an active Private Equity shareholder. High degree of entrepreneurial freedom in a complex carve-out situation.