Lightbox favors ‘Invest and Build' business models. We acquire significant minority equity stakes and support entrepreneurs in building great businesses by leveraging guidance and networks. Deals are largely focused on the consumer sector. We are interested in companies which have been steered by strong entrepreneurs/founders, and the businesses are at the scale where now they require a more process oriented approach to building, for example, professional management, systems and financial capital to achieve a step change in business growth.

About the Role

Support the Portfolio Value Creation Partner in developing and implementing strategic plans for the assigned portfolio organization/s with the goal of building admired businesses and maximizing return on investment. More specifically, the incumbent’s role will be to work with the portfolio companies/ senior management in implementing program of operational excellence. The individual must have an ability to develop a deep relationships and be able to influence stakeholders in the portfolio companies. This trust and respect will be built on the incumbent’s ability to think clearly and provide support in execution on strategies.

Key Responsibilities

A. Deal Management and Exits

• Assist in managing transition during investing.
• Build relationships with multiple stakeholders (entrepreneur/founder, key customers, vendors, lenders, regulators, debt providers, other funds for capital raise).
• Assist in evaluating changes in key players in management teams as needed.
• Assist in attracting top quality talent.
• Develop performance measurement indicators and financial modeling to determine the effectiveness, outcomes, risk, scalability and measurable impact of the investment.
• Undertake special projects in consultation with the Partner and as required by the organization across the investment lifecycle, aimed at business rejuvenation and maximizing return on investment made.
• Help the new team succeed.
• Influence management on key strategic issues and major organizational changes and execution of strategy.
• Help plug in appropriate systems and processes.
• Gradually work on reconfiguring the culture and leave a stamp of the ‘Lightbox–way’.
• Create networks to build relationships with industry ecosystem.
• Assist in exit process.
• Help the company in the capital raise as and when required, working closely with the capital team.

B. Firm (Lightbox) Development

• Actively participate in firm initiatives.
• Be involved in all aspects of the strategy and operation cycle from pitching/business planning to roll out/tracking of business performance of the portfolio company.
• Assist the Partner in drawing up the appraisal of the business and identifying the areas of opportunity and deficiency for the company in relation to the investment objectives / thesis.
• Assist in defining the engagement model and the principal areas of engagement. Assess the strategic capabilities of the organizations and their teams. Initiate and implement specific engagements / projects with respect to improving efficiency and productivity will be initiated and implemented. Sharing relevant global industry best practices with the portfolio organization is also a requirement.
• The incumbent faces an immediate challenge of gaining acceptance and building credibility with the founder / senior management of the portfolio companies so as to effectively influence their operations. S/he is expected to display maturity; flexibility and a keen mind to enable Lightbox achieve its investment objectives. As an outsider, s/he has to win the trust of the portfolio companies, for them to be transparent and accept him/her as an expert and well-wisher.
• The incumbent needs to be informed and knowledgeable about specific company markets and environment and be able to provide general management advice as well as specific functional assistance when required.

Critical Competencies

A. Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurial drive, determination and energy to contribute, a commitment to the highest quality standards
• Ability to create solutions in face of obstacles.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate multi-functional projects.

B. Leadership

• High impact and influence: Ability to influence the business to take key objective decisions and interact credibly with the senior Leadership and gain the confidence and trust at all levels of the organization.
• Strong achievement orientation and self motivation; ability to take ownership and deliver.

C. Values Charter

• Transparency
• Firm before self
• Demanding of self and others
• Openness
• Relentless pursuit of excellence

D. Relationships

• Strong relationship management and people skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills along with a results-oriented approach.
• Possess executive presence; ability to confidently interact with senior management of the portfolio company.