Role Overview for Chief Executive Officer with a PE-Backed Manufacturing Firm – Grand Rapids, MI
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a dynamic and results-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed manufacturing company located in the vibrant industrial hub of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a premier leadership opportunity for a seasoned executive to take the helm of a well-established organization with a strong market position and guide it through its next phase of significant growth and value creation.
Our client is a market leader in its niche, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With the strategic and financial support of a reputable private equity sponsor, the company is poised for accelerated expansion through both organic growth initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The new CEO will be the driving force behind this transformation, responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive strategy that enhances operational efficiency, expands market share, and maximizes profitability, ultimately leading to a successful exit for the investment partners.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a proven track record of success within a PE-backed manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for the complete oversight of the company, holding full P&L responsibility and providing strategic direction to a talented senior leadership team. This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership. You will be empowered to build upon the company’s solid foundation, instill a culture of performance and accountability, and make a lasting impact on its trajectory.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer with a PE-Backed Manufacturing Firm – Grand Rapids, MI
The CEO will be accountable for the overall performance and strategic direction of the company. Key responsibilities are broad and will encompass all facets of the business, including:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor to develop, refine, and execute the company’s long-term strategic vision and value creation plan.
- Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, technological advancements, and new business opportunities to secure a sustainable competitive advantage.
- Spearhead strategic initiatives, including market expansion, new product development, and potential diversification efforts.
- Lead all aspects of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities, from target identification and due diligence to the seamless integration of acquired businesses, ensuring strategic fit and synergy realization.
Financial Performance & P&L Management
- Assume full P&L responsibility for the entire organization, with a relentless focus on driving top-line revenue growth and expanding EBITDA margins.
- Direct the development of the annual operating budget, financial forecasts, and capital allocation plans to support strategic goals.
- Ensure the integrity of all financial reporting and internal controls, providing the Board with transparent, accurate, and timely updates on company performance.
- Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across the organization to drive performance and ensure alignment with the value creation plan.
Operational Excellence
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout all manufacturing facilities and business processes.
- Drive the implementation and refinement of world-class operational methodologies, such as lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints, to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
- Oversee the global supply chain, ensuring it is robust, cost-effective, and capable of supporting the company’s growth ambitions.
- Foster an unwavering commitment to workplace safety, environmental compliance, and quality assurance across the entire organization.
Commercial Leadership & Market Growth
- Provide strategic leadership to the sales and marketing functions to develop and execute aggressive commercial strategies that capture market share.
- Personally engage in and cultivate strong, long-term relationships with key customers, strategic partners, and influential industry stakeholders.
- Lead the charge in identifying and penetrating new geographic markets and customer verticals.
- Instill a high-performance, metrics-driven culture within the commercial team to ensure predictable and sustainable revenue growth.
Team Leadership & Culture Development
- Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, cohesive senior leadership team.
- Champion and embody a corporate culture defined by accountability, transparency, collaboration, and a strong bias for action.
- Implement robust talent management and succession planning processes to ensure the organization has the leadership bench strength required for future growth.
- Serve as the chief brand ambassador, effectively communicating the company’s vision and values to employees, customers, investors, and the broader community.
Requirements for the Chief Executive Officer with a PE-Backed Manufacturing Firm – Grand Rapids, MI
We are seeking a candidate who meets the following criteria:
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the manufacturing sector, with a strong preference for backgrounds in industrial products, engineered materials, automotive, or aerospace components.
- A minimum of 5 years in a top leadership role (e.g., CEO, President, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a business of at least $50 million in annual revenue.
Mandatory experience working within a private equity-backed company.
A proven history of successfully partnering with a PE sponsor to execute a value creation plan and deliver a successful exit is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success in driving both organic growth and growth through strategic acquisitions, including hands-on experience in M&A diligence and post-acquisition integration.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional strategic agility and the ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable, operational plans.
- Deep financial acumen; an expert-level understanding of financial statements, cash flow management, budgeting, and the key financial levers in a PE-owned business.
- An inspirational and decisive leadership style with a proven ability to build and motivate high-performing teams.
- Outstanding executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- A data-driven, analytical, and hands-on management approach.
- Unimpeachable ethics, integrity, and a commitment to transparent leadership.
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber, including:
- A competitive and compelling base salary.
- A significant annual cash bonus opportunity based on the achievement of key financial and strategic objectives (EBITDA, revenue growth, etc.).
- A substantial equity stake in the company via a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), offering a life-changing wealth creation opportunity tied to the success of the investment.
- A comprehensive executive benefits package, including top-tier medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
- A full executive relocation package to the Grand Rapids, MI area for the successful candidate and their family.
- An allowance for professional development, executive coaching, and industry memberships to support your continued growth.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential Chief Executive Officer position. If you are a transformative leader with the requisite PE and manufacturing experience and are ready to drive significant value creation, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for this role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing practice area page.
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.
