Operating Partner
Diversis Capital
Diversis Capital completed a raise of $680 million to continue its investment objectives in software and technology businesses, which will significantly push the Westwood-based private equity firm over the $1 billion threshold of assets under management. The fundraise is the second for Diversis, which had an inaugural fundraise of $255 million in 2019. The second fund, raised in three months, was oversubscribed by $175 million.
Description
The Operating Partner will work with the Diversis team as well as with the senior management at the portfolio companies, to bring to bear best-in-class advisory and operating support to drive build & value, achieve overall company goals for acquisitions, growth, and financial/operational performance. Ultimately, the Operating Partner is a key leader responsible for the successful transformation of the portfolio company(s) in which s/he is assigned. S/he will:
· Support- primarily through active advice, coaching and hands-on assistance and direct, management of portfolio companies in developing and implementing operating processes, hiring, and plans.
· Work with Diversis team, CEOs, and senior management team of existing and future portfolio companies to develop and implement ongoing strategic and operating plans.
· Interface with outside resources (strategic, operational, and legal) to address key issues as they arise.
· Collaborate with the Diversis team in evaluating the management, processes, and market position of prospective investments.
· Enhance and create overall operational policies and procedures; specific short-term and long-term operations plans, with appropriate budget requests and financial estimates. Emphasize these goals and objectives to achieve the overall improvement of shareholder value through a motivated and engaged workforce.
· Assist in all sales & marketing, gross margins and controllable expenses targets, KPIs, and goals for portfolio. Participate in business development activities including the preparation of marketing materials, meetings and calls, national conferences, and investor relations.
· Generally, work in parallel, but sometimes together with the existing operating professionals within the firm.
· Develop diagnostic and analytical templates and approaches for use by portfolio companies and by the partnership in evaluating the portfolio.
The Operating Partner will continue to spend most of her/his time in key portfolio companies, but it is also expected that the partner will also support new deal evaluation, participating in due diligence efforts where expertise and/or knowledge can significantly increase the quality of information used by the deal team in assessing a particular transaction.
Requirements
The successful executive will bring the following experiences and capabilities: to Diversis:
· Relevant COO / CEO or equivalent experience within a PE backed SaaS company.
· Deep knowledge of key enterprise software metrics, an ability to drive accountability at all levels of an organization. (i.e. assessing problem + tracking / rigor – translate operational change thru measurement of operational metrics)
· Recognized expertise advising or operating in businesses that have experienced significant operational changes and cost controls to maximize value. Demonstrated wins building and managing organizations characterized by operational excellence, budget efficacy and seamless delivery against all operating KPIs improving top & bottom-line growth. Able to balance near-term needs with longer-term requirements and to have conviction around investment decisions in helping to steer the business.
· Proven ability to balance strategy and execution: an operating leader who has and will improve a company’s execution capabilities; understanding the primary drivers of a variety of businesses, diagnose problems, and think through solutions, in a context of private equity investing.
· Top tier education, including a graduate degree (most likely MBA but could include J.D. or other relevant advanced degree).
· Relevant diligence / Integration experience (i.e. assess viability, modeling ability to identify operational levers).
· Has encouraged partnership across a complex business and ensuring that proper talent development and succession planning has been conducted.
· Knowledge of finance, operations, technology, processes, procedures, and regulations, as well as experience in forecasting, and corporate strategy.
· Passionate, high-energy brand ambassador and builder. Energized by a rapid pace of change and strive to deliver beyond expectations.
· Experience with private equity ownership.
Contact
Dan Grosh
Operating Partner
415-722-2964