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 Associate to join its portfolio operations team. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with management teams and investment professionals to execute initiatives that drive growth, operational improvements, and value creation across a portfolio of founder-led businesses.

Unlike traditional strategy or consulting roles, this position is highly execution-oriented. You'll be embedded alongside company leadership teams, helping turn priorities into measurable outcomes while gaining significant exposure to the private equity investment lifecycle.

• Partner directly with portfolio company executives to execute strategic and operational initiatives
• Drive accountability and progress across value creation workstreams
• Monitor business performance through KPIs, operational metrics, and financial reporting
• Support growth initiatives, operational improvement projects, and integration efforts following acquisitions
• Help identify opportunities to improve processes, increase profitability, and accelerate growth
• Coordinate stakeholders, track deliverables, and ensure initiatives move from planning to execution
• Assist with board reporting, management presentations, and ongoing portfolio reviews
• Work closely with investment and operating teams to support investment thesis execution

• 3-5 years of experience in consulting, investment banking, corporate development, strategy, operations, private equity, transaction services, or a related field
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Experience driving initiatives and solving complex business problems
• Ability to work directly with senior executives and operating teams
• Strong analytical capabilities and financial acumen
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments

• Direct exposure to private equity investing and operational value creation
• Meaningful responsibility and ownership from day one
• Opportunity to work across multiple companies, industries, and business challenges
• Significant interaction with executives, investors, and operating leaders
• Clear path for advancement within a growing investment platform
• Ability to build a highly transferable skillset at the intersection of private equity, operations, and strategy

This role is ideal for professionals looking to move beyond advisory work and into the execution side of private equity, where they can directly influence company performance and help create value across a portfolio of lower middle market businesses.