Raleigh, NC | Lower Middle Market Private Equity

We're partnering with a growing lower middle market private equity firm seeking a Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate to join its portfolio operations team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to work directly with management teams, operating partners, and investment professionals to drive value creation initiatives across a portfolio of founder-led businesses.

The Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate will play a highly visible role within the organization, helping portfolio companies execute strategic priorities, improve operations, accelerate growth, and maximize enterprise value. Unlike traditional consulting or advisory roles, the Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate is deeply involved in execution, working alongside leadership teams to translate strategic initiatives into measurable results.

This role is ideal for candidates looking to build a long-term career in private equity operations and portfolio value creation while gaining broad exposure to the investment lifecycle. The Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate will have the opportunity to influence portfolio company performance, partner with executives, and interact regularly with investors and board members.

• Serve as a key resource across the portfolio as a Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate, partnering directly with management teams to execute strategic and operational priorities
• Lead value creation initiatives focused on revenue growth, operational efficiency, profitability improvement, and organizational development
• Drive accountability across multiple workstreams by establishing project plans, tracking milestones, and ensuring timely execution
• Monitor company performance through KPIs, operational metrics, and financial reporting
• Support acquisition integration efforts and post-close value creation initiatives across portfolio companies
• Identify opportunities to improve business processes, enhance productivity, and accelerate growth
• Conduct analyses to support strategic decision-making and investment thesis execution
• Work closely with investment professionals, operating partners, and executives to implement portfolio initiatives
• Assist with board presentations, management reporting, portfolio reviews, and investor materials
• Coordinate stakeholders across functions and organizations to ensure initiatives move efficiently from planning to execution
• Mentor junior team members and help establish best practices across the portfolio operations function

• 5-8 years of experience in consulting, investment banking, corporate development, private equity, transaction services, strategy, operations, or a related field
• Prior experience managing projects and driving initiatives from concept through execution
• Strong business acumen, analytical capabilities, and financial modeling skills
• Demonstrated success working directly with senior executives and cross-functional teams
• Exceptional project management, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to influence without authority and drive accountability across multiple stakeholders
• Experience operating in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
• A proactive, ownership-oriented mindset consistent with a successful Private Equity Value Creation Senior Associate