Operating Partner, Testing, Inspection and Certification

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Deliver market insights regarding bolt-on opportunities, competitive dynamics, and valuation context within the subsector.

• Facilitate introductions to founders, family-owned businesses, and senior executives within the existing network.

• Review confidential information memoranda and management presentations to assess sector-specific operational compatibility and risk.

• Evaluate accreditation scope, technical staffing, and regulatory positioning during the due diligence process.

• Analyze recurring accredited work versus project work and critically assess revenue quality.

• Participate in pitches to private equity sponsors and strategic acquirers when applicable.

• Provide operational due diligence insights on target companies.

• Counsel the Fireclay team on positioning and messaging for sponsor outreach and sourcing initiatives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Experience as a Laboratory Director, General Manager, VP of Operations, Division President, COO, or CEO within a testing, inspection, or certification firm, or as Head of Corporate Development for a sector consolidator.

• At least fifteen years of experience in the sector across various accredited locations, service lines, or end markets.

• Proficient understanding of accreditation environments, including ISO 17025, ISO 17020, or ISO 17065.

• Familiarity with state and federal programs regulating the relevant subsector.

• Direct experience with utilization, turnaround time, scope expansion, multi-site integration, and retaining technical staff.

• Knowledge of ESOPs and certifications for small and disadvantaged businesses, along with their transaction implications.

• Established network of founders, family owners, senior executives, and private equity professionals within the subsector.

• Ability to represent Fireclay professionally to private equity sponsors, strategic acquirers, and management of target companies.

• Discretion in handling confidential information and competitive intelligence.

• Willingness to operate on a flexible per-engagement basis without fixed hours or commitments.

• 1099 independent contractor arrangement.

🏝️ Benefits

• Success fees per deal on completed engagements where you have made a significant contribution.

• Optional retainer for active sourcing assignments.

• Equity participation available for select strategic engagements.

• No fixed hours or minimum time requirements.

• Limited, deal-specific travel.