Role Overview for CEO – PE Portfolio Company, Industrial Services | Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and results-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a high-growth, middle-market industrial services company. Backed by a leading private equity firm, our client is poised for significant expansion through a combination of strategic acquisitions and aggressive organic growth initiatives. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned executive to step into a pivotal leadership role, take full P&L ownership, and drive the company towards a highly successful exit, resulting in substantial wealth creation for the leadership team.
The successful candidate will be based in the vibrant business hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, and will serve as the strategic architect of the company’s future. You will partner closely with the private equity sponsor and the Board of Directors to refine and execute a value creation plan designed to triple the company’s enterprise value over a 3-5 year investment horizon. This role demands a leader with a deep understanding of the industrial services landscape, a proven track record of scaling businesses, and the financial acumen to navigate the complexities of a leveraged environment. You will be responsible for building a world-class organization, fostering a culture of performance and accountability, and establishing the company as a dominant force in its niche market sectors.
This is more than a standard CEO position; it is a chance to be a true business builder and equity partner. We are seeking an individual who is not only a brilliant strategist and operator but also an inspirational leader capable of motivating a diverse workforce. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven environment and possesses the entrepreneurial spirit to capitalize on market opportunities while instilling the operational discipline required for sustainable, profitable growth. Your leadership will directly impact every facet of the organization, from operational efficiency and service delivery to sales strategy and post-merger integration. If you are a transformative leader with a passion for building great companies and a history of creating shareholder value, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of CEO – PE Portfolio Company, Industrial Services | Charlotte, NC
The CEO will have ultimate responsibility for the company’s performance, strategy, and culture. Key duties are multifaceted and require a dynamic, hands-on approach:
Strategic Leadership and Execution
- In collaboration with the Board of Directors and PE sponsor, develop and execute a long-term strategic plan that aligns with the investment thesis and value creation objectives.
- Identify and assess new market opportunities, service line extensions, and geographic expansion possibilities to drive top-line growth.
- Champion a clear vision and mission for the company, ensuring it is effectively communicated and embraced at all levels of the organization.
- Lead the company’s M&A strategy, from identifying and evaluating potential acquisition targets to overseeing due diligence and leading successful post-merger integration efforts.
Financial Performance and P&L Management
- Assume full P&L responsibility, with a relentless focus on driving revenue growth, expanding EBITDA margins, and optimizing cash flow.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to the Board, providing insightful analysis and actionable recommendations.
- Implement rigorous financial controls and operational discipline to manage costs, improve efficiency, and maximize profitability across all business units.
- Oversee capital allocation decisions, ensuring investments are directed towards initiatives with the highest potential for return and strategic value.
Operational Excellence and Scalability
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to enhance service delivery, safety standards, and overall operational effectiveness.
- Build scalable systems, processes, and infrastructure to support the company’s rapid growth trajectory, both organic and inorganic.
- Ensure the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction are maintained, solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted partner and industry leader.
- Optimize the supply chain, logistics, and field service operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Commercial Leadership and Business Development
- Act as the company’s chief commercial officer, personally engaging with key customers, partners, and industry stakeholders to drive business development.
- Lead the sales and marketing functions to develop and implement aggressive strategies for customer acquisition, retention, and share-of-wallet growth.
- Develop and refine pricing strategies to maximize profitability while remaining competitive in the marketplace.
Team Building and Organizational Culture
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing senior leadership team, providing mentorship and guidance to foster their growth.
- Cultivate a dynamic, results-oriented, and accountable culture that attracts and inspires top talent throughout the organization.
- Champion employee engagement and development programs to ensure a motivated and skilled workforce capable of executing the company’s strategy.
Requirements for the CEO – PE Portfolio Company, Industrial Services | Charlotte, NC
The ideal candidate will be a proven executive with a demonstrated history of leadership success within a relevant industry. Specific qualifications include:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a C-suite, President, or General Manager role with full P&L responsibility for a business of at least $50M in revenue.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in the industrial services sector is required. This includes, but is not limited to, industrial cleaning, waste management, equipment rental, facilities maintenance, specialty contracting, or other related B2B service environments.
Private Equity Experience
Prior experience leading a private equity-backed company is highly preferred. The candidate must understand the pace, metrics, and governance model of a PE-owned business and possess a strong grasp of the levers of private equity value creation.
M&A and Integration Success
A proven track record of successfully sourcing, executing, and integrating acquisitions is critical to the ‘buy-and-build’ strategy.
Financial Acumen
Exceptional financial and analytical skills. Must be fluent in reading and interpreting financial statements, managing a balance sheet in a leveraged environment, and using data to drive strategic decisions.
Commercial Orientation
A strong sales and marketing DNA with a history of driving significant organic revenue growth. Must be comfortable being the external face of the company.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Personal Attributes
High-energy, hands-on, and results-oriented. A strategic thinker with a bias for action. Unquestionable integrity, strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Location
Must be willing to reside in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive leader. The package reflects the significance of this role and is heavily weighted towards performance and value creation.
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards for a CEO of a company of this scale.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual cash bonus tied to the achievement of specific financial and strategic objectives (e.g., EBITDA targets).
Substantial Equity Participation
A meaningful direct equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for life-changing capital gains upon a successful liquidity event. This is the primary long-term wealth creation component of the compensation plan.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Benefits
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for you and your family.
Retirement Savings Plan
Access to a 401(k) plan with a competitive company matching contribution.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package to facilitate a smooth transition to Charlotte, NC.
Executive Perks
Includes benefits such as a vehicle allowance, paid time off, and a professional development stipend.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical appointment. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
Due to the high volume of interest, we may only be able to respond to candidates who meet the specified requirements. We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can lead our client into its next chapter of growth.
To submit your application or learn more about our executive search capabilities in this sector, please visit our CEO & President Executive Search practice area page.
