Operating Partner (Interim) – Private Equity Portfolio Company | Transport & Logistics / Food & Agriculture | UAE
The Opportunity
A large Cap Private Equity Fund is seeking to appoint an experienced Interim Operating Partner to support one of its UAE portfolio companies operating in either Transport & Logistics or Food & Agriculture. This is a time critical role focused on rapid diagnosis, value creation, and execution, working closely with the portfolio CEO, investor leadership, and Board.
Role Mandate
The Operating Partner will take overall responsibility for shaping and driving the transformation agenda, including:
Rapid assessment of business performance, operational effectiveness, and organisational capability
Identification and prioritisation of value creation opportunities
Development of a clear transformation roadmap with defined initiatives and milestones
Active oversight and sponsorship of execution, supported by a hands-on Director level lead
Close engagement with senior management, Board representatives, and the investment team
Providing calm, credible leadership in high pressure operational environments
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring:
Prior experience as a CEO, COO, Managing Director, or equivalent in large, complex organisations
Strong operational and transformation leadership experience (turnarounds, scale ups, carve outs, integrations)
Sector experience in transport, logistics, infrastructure, industrials, food, agriculture, or adjacent asset heavy environments
A track record of delivering results in multinational, matrixed organisations
Comfort operating with ambiguity, pace, and limited infrastructure
Experience working with Private Equity investors and Boards
Availability to travel and spend time on the ground in the UAE (not full time)
Commercials
£3,000 – £3,500 per day, with flexibility for the right individual
Initial 3 month engagement with strong likelihood of extension