Operating Partner

Overview

Description

Role: Operating Partner
Location: North America
Department: Exa Enterprise Support Group - EESG
Reports to: CEO, Exa Capital
Role Type: Player-Coach

About Exa Capital
Exa Capital is a permanent capital holding company focused on acquiring and building vertical market software businesses. We take a long-term, stewardship-driven approach – buying and holding companies forever, and empowering leaders through a decentralized operating model.

The Operating Partner is a senior, hands-on business builder responsible for driving EBITDA expansion, strengthening operating rhythms, leading post-acquisition integrations, and enabling Port Co CEOs to win. This role blends strategy, operations, finance, leadership development, and change management across multiple portfolio companies. You are the sparring partner, truth-teller, and strategic advisor to Port Co CEOs, while deeply respecting their independence. You model Exa’s philosophy: high trust, low touch, high accountability.

• Value Creation & Performance Improvement
  • Identify and execute EBITDA uplift opportunities across pricing, cost structure, efficiency, renewals, service delivery, and GTM
  • Build Value Creation Plans (90-day / annual) for each Port Co; track and drive measurable results
  • Develop CEO-ready business cases and ROI models
• Operating Rhythm, KPIs & Governance
  • Stand up and institutionalize Weekly Business Reviews (WBRs) and Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs)
  • Ensure CEOs deliver concise weekly summaries (wins, risks, asks)
  • Build dashboards and standardized KPIs across finance, operations, CS, sales, and product
• Post-Acquisition Integration
  • Lead the first 100 days of integration: systems, reporting, culture, leadership, and financial alignment
  • Drive 30-60-90 operating plans with precision
  • Deliver early wins within the first 60 days and ensure seamless transition into steady state
• Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Partner with Port Co CEOs on annual planning, budgeting, multi-year strategy, org design, talent planning, and capital allocation
  • Pressure test assumptions, risks, and levers for growth
  • Support long-term roadmap alignment while protecting the Port Co’s unique mission
• Leadership Development & Talent Density
  • Coach CEOs and leadership teams; strengthen A-Player pipeline
  • Support hiring for key roles and ensure the right leaders are in the right seats
  • Reinforce Exa’s cultural foundations
• AI-Enabled Efficiency & Automation
  • Partner with AI team to deploy high-impact workflow automation, productivity tools, and process redesign
  • Ensure adoption across Port Cos; quantify OpEx savings and time-to-value
  • Turn AI initiatives into repeatable playbooks for the broader portfolio
• Cross-Portfolio Collaboration
  • Share best practices and operational playbooks across the portfolio
  • Partner with Finance, HR, IT, Marketing teams to leverage Exa’s Enterprise Support Group model
  • Protect decentralization while enabling scale

• 10+ years of operating experience in software and technology businesses
• Proven track record of delivering EBITDA or FCF improvement
• Experience running or materially transforming a business unit or P&L
• Deep comfort with SaaS metrics, operational KPIs, and financial modeling
• Experience leading cross-functional teams without formal authority
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional communication and executive presence
• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, finance, or related field

• Experience as GM/COO/President of a $10M–$50M software business
• Operator experience; built and exited a software company
• Prior exposure to M&A, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration
• Demonstrated success in pricing strategy and commercial optimization
• Experience building dashboards, KPI systems, or operating cadences
• Background in management consulting or PE operating teams (with real operating ownership)
• High EQ, low ego, strong resilience
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and high-growth environments

• Experience across multiple software businesses at once, an exposure few roles offer
• Ability to build and scale operating systems across an entire portfolio
• Deep…