About the role
Lock Search Group has been exclusively retained by a dynamic and fast-growing Toronto-based Private Equity firm to recruit a Managing Director / Operator to lead and scale one of its high-potential portfolio companies.
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader with a proven track record in Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Management Consulting to take on a transformative leadership role. The ideal candidate combines operational expertise with a sharp investment mindset and has the capability to accelerate growth across all facets of the business.
The Opportunity
As Managing Director / Operator, you will act as the hands-on executive leader for one of the firm’s core portfolio companies. You will work closely with the board and investment team to define and execute the value creation plan, manage day-to-day operations, and lead strategic initiatives including new product rollouts, market expansion, and bolt-on acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior operational leader of the portfolio company, with full P&L responsibility
- Design and implement strategies to drive profitable growth, scalability, and operational excellence
- Lead internal teams across sales, operations, finance, and product to deliver on KPIs
- Build and manage M&A pipeline and integration activities in collaboration with the PE team
- Act as the key liaison between the PE firm and the portfolio company, ensuring transparency and accountability
- Identify risks and opportunities proactively, and drive execution against growth milestones
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Previous experience in Private Equity or Venture Capital, ideally with hands-on involvement in portfolio company operations
- Background in top-tier Management Consulting (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG, or equivalent)
- Strong M&A experience, including pipeline management, financial modeling, due diligence, and post-close execution
- Operational experience in a scaling environment, ideally in B2B, tech-enabled services, or industrial sectors
- MSc in Finance, MBA, or equivalent advanced business education (strongly preferred)
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with 5-day in-office commitment
Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.
We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Our policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Follow us on LinkedIn!
About Lock Search Group
Lock Search Group is the leading independent search firm in Canada. Our mission is to provide exceptional Recruitment and Consulting services to clients and candidates. We apply our experience and expertise to deliver solutions with a personalized approach that focuses on client needs and candidate goals.
Our values and practices are based on developing lasting business relationships through open, honest communication. We pride ourselves on knowing our stuff, on being well-networked, and being professional, without being too serious. Fun in business is important. Being approachable, being part of the team, acting with integrity: all part of the Lock DNA since day one.
Lock Search Group was founded in 1983. We have grown to a network of 11 offices in Canada and two in the United States. With more than 25 Recruitment Consultants and Associates on staff, we take great pride in delivering a true national solution. Many of our clients have offices in the U.S., and many of our American clients have Canadian divisions. We provide a seamless service to all.
We work with a diverse set of companies and fill a variety of sales, managerial, leadership, and/or executive roles. Our core practice areas are: • Life Science (Biotechnology, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Scientific and Clinical Research, etc.) • Consumer Packaged Goods (Beverage/Alcohol, Cannabis, Core, Food Service, Hard Goods, Retail, etc.) • Industrial (Automation, Building Materials, Construction, Distribution, Houseware, Manufacturing, Metals and Mining, Tools, Supply Chain and Logistics, Operations, Engineering, etc.) • B2B and Technology (Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, SaaS, Security Equipment and Services, Telecommunications, Insurance, Accounting, Finance, Legal, Human Resources, etc.)
If you are looking to hire or looking for career opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
About the role
Lock Search Group has been exclusively retained by a dynamic and fast-growing Toronto-based Private Equity firm to recruit a Managing Director / Operator to lead and scale one of its high-potential portfolio companies.
This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional leader with a proven track record in Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Management Consulting to take on a transformative leadership role. The ideal candidate combines operational expertise with a sharp investment mindset and has the capability to accelerate growth across all facets of the business.
The Opportunity
As Managing Director / Operator, you will act as the hands-on executive leader for one of the firm’s core portfolio companies. You will work closely with the board and investment team to define and execute the value creation plan, manage day-to-day operations, and lead strategic initiatives including new product rollouts, market expansion, and bolt-on acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the senior operational leader of the portfolio company, with full P&L responsibility
- Design and implement strategies to drive profitable growth, scalability, and operational excellence
- Lead internal teams across sales, operations, finance, and product to deliver on KPIs
- Build and manage M&A pipeline and integration activities in collaboration with the PE team
- Act as the key liaison between the PE firm and the portfolio company, ensuring transparency and accountability
- Identify risks and opportunities proactively, and drive execution against growth milestones
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Previous experience in Private Equity or Venture Capital, ideally with hands-on involvement in portfolio company operations
- Background in top-tier Management Consulting (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG, or equivalent)
- Strong M&A experience, including pipeline management, financial modeling, due diligence, and post-close execution
- Operational experience in a scaling environment, ideally in B2B, tech-enabled services, or industrial sectors
- MSc in Finance, MBA, or equivalent advanced business education (strongly preferred)
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment with 5-day in-office commitment
Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.
We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Our policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.
Follow us on LinkedIn!
About Lock Search Group
Lock Search Group is the leading independent search firm in Canada. Our mission is to provide exceptional Recruitment and Consulting services to clients and candidates. We apply our experience and expertise to deliver solutions with a personalized approach that focuses on client needs and candidate goals.
Our values and practices are based on developing lasting business relationships through open, honest communication. We pride ourselves on knowing our stuff, on being well-networked, and being professional, without being too serious. Fun in business is important. Being approachable, being part of the team, acting with integrity: all part of the Lock DNA since day one.
Lock Search Group was founded in 1983. We have grown to a network of 11 offices in Canada and two in the United States. With more than 25 Recruitment Consultants and Associates on staff, we take great pride in delivering a true national solution. Many of our clients have offices in the U.S., and many of our American clients have Canadian divisions. We provide a seamless service to all.
We work with a diverse set of companies and fill a variety of sales, managerial, leadership, and/or executive roles. Our core practice areas are: • Life Science (Biotechnology, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Scientific and Clinical Research, etc.) • Consumer Packaged Goods (Beverage/Alcohol, Cannabis, Core, Food Service, Hard Goods, Retail, etc.) • Industrial (Automation, Building Materials, Construction, Distribution, Houseware, Manufacturing, Metals and Mining, Tools, Supply Chain and Logistics, Operations, Engineering, etc.) • B2B and Technology (Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, SaaS, Security Equipment and Services, Telecommunications, Insurance, Accounting, Finance, Legal, Human Resources, etc.)
If you are looking to hire or looking for career opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!