Operating Partner

Reports to:

CEO, 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 delivery 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
• 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
• 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 training in Permanent Capital strategic thinking (base rates, ROIC, capital allocation)
• Mastery of AI‑enabled operational efficiency and automation
• A front‑row role in M&A integrations and transformation
• Close…