Firm OverviewNextGen Growth Partners (NGP) is a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in the lower middle market. Now investing from its third fund (~$200 million in Committed Capital), the firm has a strong track record driven by its exceptional team, rigorous process, and unique investment approach.
NGP leverages an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) model, partnering with entrepreneurial leaders to identify, acquire, and scale businesses. We are a growing team that values relationships, high standards, and meaningful work. At NGP, we take pride in cultivating a culture where people genuinely enjoy working together, supporting one another, and learning as we grow. Our three core values guide how we invest, operate, and show up every day:
- Relationships - Building deep, trust-based partnerships with entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and the NGP team.
- Rigor - Applying disciplined diligence, structured execution, and operational excellence to every investment.
- Results - Committing to delivering measurable, long-term value for all stakeholders.
Position Summary- NGP is searching for a dynamic and results-oriented Director, Value Creation to join the NGP Portfolio Operations team.
- In close partnership with the Investments team and portfolio company boards, this department helps translate firm and company-specific theses into clear value creation plans, supports execution alongside portfolio CEOs, and provides ongoing monitoring and reporting against those plans.
- Reporting to the Partner of Portfolio Operations, the Director will help advance the NGP Operating Playbook, codify best practices across the portfolio, and support both organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
Responsibilities- Relationship management
- Build trust-based relationships across portfolio companies from employees to executives
- Facilitate collaboration and decision-making through effective communication
- Insight-driven bias to action
- Maintain solution-oriented mindset while navigating complex challenges
- Perform strategic analysis and leverage stakeholders to drive results
- Value creation planning
- Develop and execute onboarding processes and value creation plans with boards and management
- Implement portfolio monitoring tools and build scalable playbooks
- Support operational diligence for platform and add-on acquisitions
- Configure integration plans for inorganic growth
- Expert project and program management
- Structure and manage timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities
- Proactively address issues with transparent communication
- Collaborate effectively independently and in teams
RequirementsExperience & Education- Four-year degree from top institution; MBA preferred
- 4-8 years post-undergrad or 2-3 years post-MBA in consulting, small business operations, investment banking, private equity, or operating roles (finance, strategy, sales/marketing, operations)
Location & Travel- Based in or willing to relocate to Chicago, IL
- Regular travel for portfolio company support, conferences, and events
- Hands-on approach to driving results with executives
Intangibles- High executive function and bias to action
- Strong emotional intelligence and curiosity
- Coachable, resilient, personable, and self-aware
- Unquestionable integrity and ethics
- Strategic thinker with execution focus
- Desire to be part of a collaborative, fast-paced community
