Role Overview for CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Water Services Platform – Tampa, FL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial water services platform based in Tampa, Florida. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned executive to take the helm of a well-established company poised for exponential growth. Our client is a leading provider of comprehensive water treatment solutions, including services, equipment, and specialty chemicals, catering to a diverse range of industrial clients across sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, power generation, and pharmaceuticals.
Following a recent strategic investment from a prominent middle-market private equity firm, the company is embarking on an aggressive growth trajectory. The new CEO will be the central figure in this value creation story, tasked with professionalizing the organization, scaling operations, driving both organic and inorganic growth, and ultimately delivering a superior return on investment. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in a related industrial services sector. You will be responsible for crafting and executing a strategic vision that solidifies the company’s market leadership, expands its geographic footprint, and enhances its service offerings. This role requires a blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, financial acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will work closely with the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor to set ambitious goals and build the organizational capability to achieve them. This is more than a leadership role; it is a chance to build a legacy and create significant personal wealth through a substantial equity stake in a thriving enterprise.
Key Responsibilities of CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Water Services Platform – Tampa, FL
The CEO will have full P&L responsibility and will be accountable for the overall performance and strategic direction of the company. Key responsibilities are broad and will evolve with the company’s growth, but will primarily include:
Strategic Leadership & Visionary Planning
Develop and articulate a clear, compelling strategic vision for the company’s future. Translate this vision into a comprehensive, actionable strategic plan that drives long-term growth, profitability, and market leadership. Continuously assess market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to identify and capitalize on new opportunities.
Financial Performance & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility, driving top-line revenue growth and bottom-line profitability. Develop and manage the annual budget, operating plans, and capital allocation strategies. Implement robust financial controls and KPI dashboards to monitor performance, ensure accountability, and provide transparent reporting to the Board and investors.
Operational Excellence & Scalability
Lead the executive team to optimize all facets of the business, including service delivery, project management, supply chain, and safety. Drive a culture of continuous improvement, implementing best practices and systems (e.g., ERP, CRM) to create a scalable platform that can support rapid growth and integration of future acquisitions. Ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across all operations.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Execution
In close collaboration with the private equity sponsor, develop and execute a disciplined M&A strategy. Identify, evaluate, and negotiate potential acquisitions of complementary businesses that enhance geographic presence, service capabilities, or customer density. Lead the post-merger integration process to ensure seamless transition and realization of synergies.
Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performance senior executive team. Foster a dynamic, results-oriented, and collaborative corporate culture that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent at all levels of the organization. Implement effective performance management and professional development programs to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Board & Investor Relations
Serve as the primary liaison between the company and the Board of Directors, which includes representatives from the private equity firm. Prepare and present regular, detailed updates on company performance, strategic initiatives, and market conditions. Cultivate a strong, transparent, and collaborative relationship with the investment partners, ensuring alignment on all strategic and financial objectives.
Sales, Marketing & Business Development
Champion the company’s commercial strategy to drive aggressive organic growth. Oversee the sales and marketing functions to enhance brand positioning, penetrate new markets, and expand key customer relationships. Personally engage with major clients and strategic partners to foster long-term, high-value relationships. Stay ahead of emerging trends in industrial water treatment to inform service innovation and market positioning.
Requirements for the CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Water Services Platform – Tampa, FL
The ideal candidate will be a proven business leader with a demonstrated ability to scale a services-based business in a private equity environment. We are seeking a candidate who combines strategic intellect with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves mentality.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, President, General Manager, COO) for a business or division with at least $50 million in annual revenue.
Industry Relevance
Deep experience in the industrial services sector is required. Direct experience in water treatment, environmental services, specialty chemical distribution, or a related technical services field is strongly preferred.
Private Equity Acumen
Prior experience working in a private equity-backed company is highly desirable. The candidate must understand the pace, metrics, and governance model of a PE-owned business and have a track record of successfully partnering with financial sponsors to create value.
M&A and Integration Expertise
Demonstrable experience in sourcing, evaluating, and integrating acquisitions is critical. The candidate must have a proven ability to successfully lead post-merger integration efforts and deliver on synergy targets.
Financial & Operational Strength
Strong financial literacy and a data-driven approach to decision-making are essential. Must be proficient in analyzing financial statements, managing budgets, and using KPIs to drive performance. A strong operational background with experience in scaling processes and systems is required.
Growth Orientation
A proven track record of driving both organic and inorganic growth. Must possess strong commercial instincts and the ability to build and lead high-performing sales and business development teams.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity and ethics; a natural and inspiring leader; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; high energy and a strong sense of urgency; strategic and analytical thinker; resilient and adaptable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is prepared to offer a highly attractive and competitive compensation package to secure a top-tier executive for this critical role. The package is designed to align the CEO’s success with the long-term value creation of the enterprise.
Competitive Base Salary
A strong six-figure base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Significant Annual Bonus
A substantial performance-based annual bonus tied to the achievement of key financial and strategic objectives (e.g., EBITDA, revenue growth).
Meaningful Equity Participation
A significant grant of equity/carried interest in the company, providing the opportunity for life-changing wealth creation upon a successful exit event.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
Retirement Savings Plan
Access to a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
Executive Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package will be provided for the successful candidate and their family to the Tampa, FL area.
Paid Time Off & Holidays
A generous vacation and paid holiday schedule.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary leader with the experience and drive to lead this company through its next phase of transformative growth, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest in this executive opportunity and learn more, please connect with our team of experts in the Water & Wastewater Treatment Executive Search. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. JRG Partners and our client are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
