Arctos Partners Operating Platform - Principal/ Director
About this role
COMPANY OVERVIEW
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.
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
#LI-DNI
KKR is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law.
KKR will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email Benefits@kkr.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.kkr.com/careers because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to Benefits@kkr.com. Only emails left for this purpose will be returned.
Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. This notice applies only to applicants and employees who work or will work in Massachusetts, in accordance with applicable state law.
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