Operating Partner – Industrial Distribution

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Identify potential acquisition targets and build relationships with founders, family owners, executives, and decision-makers at independent and regional distributors.

• Facilitate warm introductions and foster trust for confidential discussions regarding ownership transitions, growth partnerships, and acquisitions.

• Establish acquisition criteria, analyze markets, and prioritize targets based on product mix, geographical factors, supplier relationships, and strategic alignment.

• Provide market insights and assess opportunities prior to transaction processes.

• Assess manufacturer authorizations, territory coverage, customer concentration, OEM versus aftermarket demand, branch economics, and service revenue stability.

• Assist in commercial and operational due diligence, including gross margins, supplier rebates, inventory quality, working capital, technical capabilities, and management depth.

• Engage in owner meetings, client discussions, and transaction workflows.

• Provide guidance on integration opportunities, cross-selling strategies, purchasing, branch networks, and retention of key supplier and customer relationships.

• Support Fireclay Partners in serving private equity sponsors, strategic acquirers, and family-owned businesses through platform sourcing, bolt-on acquisitions, and selective sell-side mandates.

⛳️ Requirements

• Proven experience as a CEO, President, COO, division leader, senior commercial executive, or corporate development leader at a well-established industrial distributor or closely related business.

• At least fifteen years of relevant industry experience.

• Significant responsibility for a business, P&L, commercial organization, or acquisition program.

• An active and credible network of owners and senior decision-makers within industrial distribution, particularly in fluid power, motion control, hose and fittings, and related technical product categories.

• Proven ability to convert relationships into significant commercial opportunities, partnerships, or acquisition discussions.

• Direct experience with distributor economics, manufacturer channel relationships, value-added services, and factors influencing acquisition attractiveness.

• Experience in acquisitions, ownership transitions, due diligence, or integration is highly preferred.

• Bachelor's degree and a strong track record of professional accomplishments.

• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.

• Ability to represent Fireclay professionally with business owners, sponsors, and strategic acquirers.

• Capacity to work independently and follow through on introductions, commitments, and agreed engagement priorities.

• Eligible to work as an independent contractor under a 1099 structure.

🏝️ Benefits

• Performance-based compensation linked to agreed contributions and completed engagements.

• Flexible consulting arrangement.

• Engagement scope and time commitments established beforehand.

• Occasional travel for owner meetings, client discussions, or due diligence.

• Equal opportunity employer dedicated to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.