Role Overview for President, Industrial with a diversified Manufacturer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, market-leading diversified industrial manufacturer in their confidential search for a visionary President for their Industrial Division. Based in the vibrant manufacturing hub of Chicago, IL, this is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned executive to take the helm of a substantial and complex business unit.
Our client is a well-established organization with a global footprint, renowned for its commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation, and sustainable growth. They have built a legacy of quality and reliability, serving a wide array of B2B markets with a robust portfolio of essential products and solutions.
As the President of the Industrial Division, you will serve as the chief executive officer for this critical segment of the business, holding complete P&L responsibility and reporting directly to the corporate Chief Executive Officer. You will be entrusted with shaping the division’s future, crafting and executing a long-term strategic vision that ensures sustained profitability and market leadership.
This role demands a dynamic and inspirational leader who can balance strategic foresight with hands-on operational management. You will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the division, including manufacturing operations, supply chain, engineering, sales, marketing, finance, and human resources.
The ideal candidate is a strategic architect and an operational driver, capable of fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity. This position offers the chance to make a significant, measurable impact on a respected industry leader while guiding it through its next phase of evolution and success.
Key Responsibilities of President, Industrial with a diversified Manufacturer – Chicago, IL
The President of the Industrial Division will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, financial oversight, operational mastery, and commercial expansion. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to drive both top-line growth and bottom-line performance.
Strategic Vision and Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the corporation’s overall goals. Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, emerging technologies, and potential M&A targets to drive long-term, sustainable growth. Proactively analyze market trends, competitive landscapes, and customer needs to position the division for future success.
P&L and Financial Management
Assume full ownership and accountability for the division’s financial performance, including revenue, margins, and operating profit. Develop and manage annual budgets, capital expenditure plans, and financial forecasts. Implement rigorous financial controls and performance metrics to optimize profitability and ensure a strong return on investment.
Operational Excellence
Champion a culture of world-class operational performance across all manufacturing facilities. Oversee the entire supply chain, from procurement to logistics, to ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Drive continuous improvement initiatives by implementing best practices such as lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and automation to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
Commercial Leadership and Market Growth
Lead the sales, marketing, and business development functions to achieve ambitious revenue targets. Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key customers, strategic partners, and industry stakeholders. Spearhead the development and execution of effective go-to-market strategies, pricing policies, and channel management programs to expand market share in existing and new territories.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing senior leadership team. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented culture that attracts, retains, and develops top talent. Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and empower employees at all levels to contribute to the division’s success.
Product Innovation and R&D
Oversee the division’s product lifecycle management and innovation pipeline. Collaborate with engineering and R&D teams to ensure the product portfolio remains competitive, technologically advanced, and aligned with evolving customer requirements. Champion a culture of innovation that leads to the development of next-generation products and solutions.
Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Relations
Ensure all divisional activities adhere to the highest standards of safety, quality, ethics, and legal compliance. Serve as the primary representative for the division, effectively communicating strategy, performance, and vision to the CEO, Board of Directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Requirements for the President, Industrial with a diversified Manufacturer – Chicago, IL
The successful candidate will be a proven executive with a distinguished career in industrial manufacturing. They will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership qualities.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within a complex industrial manufacturing environment. At least 5-7 years of experience in a senior general management role (e.g., President, General Manager, or Vice President) with full P&L responsibility for a business unit of significant scale (ideally $100M+ in annual revenue).
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in the industrial manufacturing sector is essential. Exposure to a diversified product portfolio serving multiple end-markets is a significant advantage.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in driving profitable growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. A history of successfully leading turnarounds, business transformations, or periods of rapid expansion is highly desirable.
Operational Acumen
Strong command of modern manufacturing methodologies, supply chain management, quality control systems (e.g., ISO), and workplace safety standards.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial skills with the ability to analyze financial statements, manage complex budgets, and make data-driven investment decisions.
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire trust, build consensus, and motivate teams. A strategic thinker who can translate vision into actionable plans. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging effectively with all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation and benefits package commensurate with the responsibilities of this role.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package including a substantial base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity, phantom stock).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
Work-Life Balance
Executive-level paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible scheduling considerations.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing executive education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships.
Additional Perks
Includes an executive vehicle allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead this critical executive search on behalf of our client. We are seeking a transformative leader to guide this division into its next chapter of growth and innovation. If you are a results-driven executive with a proven track record of success in industrial manufacturing and believe you have the skills, experience, and vision required for this role, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position. For more information about our deep expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing Executive Search practice area.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
