Strategic Operator

We are mandated by a private principal to appoint a hands-on operator to work across a portfolio of small to mid-sized businesses and real assets. The role sits directly alongside the principal and focuses on improving operations, executing new initiatives, and driving tangible outcomes across multiple entities.

This opportunity is well suited for someone who can operate in a practical, unstructured environment and who takes ownership from concept through to delivery.

Key Responsibilities:
- Identify inefficiencies across existing businesses and implement practical improvements
- Take ownership of new initiatives from idea through to execution
- Manage day-to-day operational matters across multiple entities
- Work directly with suppliers, partners, and on-site operators as required
- Oversee cost structures, budgeting, and basic financial tracking
- Introduce simple, effective processes where appropriate
- Act as a trusted support to the principal across operational and business matters

Profile:

Our client is seeking an individual who has operated within a business environment, with clear responsibility for execution and outcomes.

- Experience running or operating within a small business or business unit (SME environment)
- Background as a business owner, operator, or in a broadly scoped operational role
- Practical and hands-on approach, with the ability to implement rather than advise
- Comfortable working across both operational and strategic considerations
- Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and sound judgement
- Discreet, pragmatic, and professional in approach
- Excellent communication skills in English and French (spoken and written). Spanish is a plus.

Background:

- Former business owner or founder (SME level)
- Operator within a privately owned or small PE-backed business
- General Manager or COO within a small to mid-sized organisation
- Early employee in a business with broad operational responsibility

This role is particularly well suited to individuals who have worked closely with a founder or principal and are accustomed to taking ownership across multiple areas of a business.

Technical:
- Sound understanding of budgeting, cost control, and basic financial oversight
- Comfortable with standard tools (Excel and basic project management tools)
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams independently

Why This Opportunity
- Direct exposure to decision-making and close collaboration with the principal
- Involvement across a range of businesses and operational environments
- High level of autonomy and responsibility
- Opportunity to contribute in a practical and meaningful way

Additional Context:

This is a hands-on role and will involve on-site engagement as required. It is therefore best suited to individuals who are comfortable being directly involved in the day-to-day running and improvement of businesses.

Before Applying

We encourage applications from candidates who can clearly demonstrate:

- Direct responsibility for operating a business or business units

- Strong understanding of basic financials (budgeting, cost control)
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams independently
- Experience implementing operational improvements in a practical setting