Arctos Partners Operating Platform - Principal/ Director

About Arctos Partners

Arctos Partners is a leading sports-focused private equity firm with a portfolio of 25+ professional sports teams across North America's major leagues. Our differentiated approach centers on operational excellence and value creation through our proprietary Arctos Operating Platform — a dedicated function that partners with portfolio teams to drive revenue optimization, operational efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage.

About the Role

We are seeking a seasoned operational leader to serve as Principal/ Director on the Arctos Operating Platform. Reporting directly to the Operating Platform Partner, you will own the strategy, day-to-day execution, and advisory function of the platform across our entire portfolio. This is a high-impact role for a proven leader who commands credibility with team executives, synthesizes complex operational challenges, and drives measurable value creation across multiple professional sports organizations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Execution

• Lead all day-to-day operations and delivery of the Arctos Operating Platform across 25+ portfolio teams
• Manage relationships with team executives, ownership groups, and operational leadership
• Oversee implementation of strategic initiatives and operational improvements across the portfolio
• Work with existing Arctos associates, deal teams, and Arctos Operating Advisors to build out capabilities of AOP

Strategy & Advisory

• Define and continuously refine the platform's strategic priorities and operating playbook
• Advise portfolio teams on revenue optimization, cost structure, operational best practices, and competitive positioning
• Identify, codify, and disseminate cross-portfolio learnings and best practices
• Shape the platform's evolution in response to market dynamics and portfolio feedback

Value Creation

• Drive tangible improvements in team financial performance, operational metrics, and competitive positioning
• Support acquisition due diligence and integration planning for new portfolio additions
• Partner closely with the investment team to surface and execute value creation opportunities

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience & Background

• 12–15+ years of professional sports industry experience
• Direct experience working within both a league office and a professional sports team (NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL)
• Deep fluency in professional sports team revenue streams — ticket sales, sponsorships, media rights, premium seating, and beyond
• Proven track record of operational leadership in complex, matrixed environments
• Background in management consulting, corporate strategy, or quantitative analytics (or a combination thereof)
• Demonstrated ability to drive results across diverse organizational stakeholders

Skills & Attributes

• Recognized credibility within professional sports — a trusted, knowledgeable partner to team executives and ownership
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; adept at influencing without direct authority
• Strategic orientation paired with a genuine appetite for hands-on execution
• Comfort operating across diverse sports properties, cultures, and organizational structures
• Track record of attracting, developing, and retaining high-performing talent