JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for an exceptional Chief of Staff to partner with the Chief Executive Officer of a high-growth, private equity-backed manufacturing company based in Indianapolis, IN. This is not an administrative role; it is a critical leadership position designed for a strategic operator who can act as a force multiplier for the CEO and the entire executive leadership team.
You will be at the epicenter of strategic decision-making, operational optimization, and value creation in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be a trusted advisor, a problem-solver, and an execution powerhouse, helping to translate the CEO’s vision into tangible results and drive the company toward a successful exit.
If you are a former top-tier consultant, investment banker, or corporate strategist with a passion for operational excellence and a desire to make a significant impact on a growing business, this opportunity offers an unparalleled platform for professional growth and influence.
Role Overview for Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
As the Chief of Staff, you will serve as the right-hand partner to the CEO, enabling them to work more effectively and efficiently. You will have a comprehensive view of the entire organization, working across all functions to ensure strategic alignment, drive key initiatives, and manage the rhythm of the business. This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, financial acumen, operational expertise, and emotional intelligence.
You will be tasked with managing special projects of strategic importance, preparing for board meetings, facilitating executive team discussions, and ensuring that communication flows seamlessly between the CEO, the leadership team, and the private equity sponsors. Your primary objective is to create leverage for the CEO, allowing them to focus on the highest-value activities.
You will be expected to anticipate needs, identify potential roadblocks, and proactively develop solutions. This position is a proving ground for future executive leadership roles, offering deep exposure to the inner workings of a PE-backed company and direct mentorship from a seasoned CEO.
Key Responsibilities of Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
Strategic Planning & Execution
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop, refine, and execute the company’s strategic plan. Lead and manage high-priority, cross-functional projects from conception to completion, such as market entry analysis, M&A due diligence, post-merger integration, and major capital expenditure initiatives.
Board & Investor Relations
Prepare and organize materials for Board of Directors meetings, investor updates, and other key stakeholder presentations. Ensure all reporting is accurate, insightful, and timely, effectively communicating the company’s performance and strategic direction.
Operational Cadence & Rhythm of the Business
Design and manage the rhythm of the business, including orchestrating the agendas and facilitating weekly executive leadership team meetings, monthly operational reviews, and quarterly business reviews (QBRs). Ensure meetings are productive, decisions are documented, and action items are tracked to completion.
Performance Management & Analytics
Develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across the organization. Work with functional leaders to create dashboards and reporting mechanisms that provide visibility into business performance and highlight areas for improvement. Conduct deep-dive analyses on specific operational or financial challenges.
CEO Proxy & Gatekeeper
Act as a trusted representative for the CEO in select internal and external meetings. Triage and manage the flow of information to the CEO, ensuring their time is protected and focused on the most critical issues. Synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries to facilitate rapid decision-making.
Internal Communications
Draft and manage key communications on behalf of the CEO, including company-wide announcements, presentations, and strategic updates, ensuring a consistent and transparent message is delivered throughout the organization.
Process Improvement
Identify opportunities for operational improvements, cost savings, and efficiency gains across the business. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, working with teams to implement best practices and streamline workflows.
Problem Solving
Tackle ambiguous, complex problems that do not have a clear owner within the organization. Structure the problem, gather data, conduct analysis, and present clear recommendations to the executive team.
Requirements for the Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Manufacturer – Indianapolis, IN
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 8-12 years of professional experience, with a significant portion spent in high-performance environments such as management consulting, investment banking, private equity, or corporate strategy/development.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within the manufacturing, industrial, or distribution sectors is highly desirable. A deep understanding of Lean manufacturing principles, supply chain dynamics, and operational excellence is a significant asset.
Financial Acumen
Superior financial modeling, analytical, and quantitative skills. Must be highly proficient in interpreting financial statements, building business cases, and linking operational metrics to financial outcomes.
Strategic Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex situations, and develop clear, actionable plans. Must be able to see the big picture while also being attentive to the details of execution.
Project Management
Exceptional project management and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, ensuring they are completed on time and on budget.
Communication Skills
World-class written and verbal communication skills. Ability to synthesize and convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including C-suite executives and board members. Expert proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel is a must.
Interpersonal Skills
High emotional intelligence (EQ) and the ability to build strong, trust-based relationships across all levels of an organization. Must be able to influence without direct authority and navigate complex organizational dynamics with diplomacy and tact.
Character Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, discretion, and a low ego. A proactive, self-starting mentality with a strong sense of ownership and a bias for action. Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to thrive under pressure and in the face of ambiguity.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. The compensation package for this role is highly competitive and designed to reward performance and long-term value creation. It includes:
- A competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A meaningful equity stake through a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), providing the opportunity to share in the financial success of the company.
- Comprehensive benefits package including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays to support work-life balance.
- Opportunities for professional development, including executive coaching and attendance at industry conferences.
- Relocation assistance to the Indianapolis area for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this executive search on an exclusive basis. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this opportunity. We encourage you to learn more about our dedicated recruitment approach by visiting our Private Equity Executive Search practice page. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a key driver of success for our client.
