JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Corporate Strategy for a premier, publicly-traded manufacturing powerhouse headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader to join a dynamic executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future trajectory. Our client is a global leader in its sector, renowned for its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. As the SVP of Corporate Strategy, you will be the chief architect of the company’s long-term strategic vision, responsible for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that will drive significant shareholder value and secure the company’s market leadership for years to come.
This role is designed for a strategic thinker with a strong bias for action, an individual who can seamlessly transition from high-level conceptualization to pragmatic execution. You will be a trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, providing critical insights and data-driven recommendations that will inform the most important decisions the company makes. In a world of accelerating technological change, evolving supply chains, and dynamic geopolitical landscapes, your leadership will be crucial in navigating complexity and charting a clear, ambitious path forward. This position offers a unique platform to make a tangible impact on a multi-billion dollar enterprise and its global workforce.
Role Overview for SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the SVP of Corporate Strategy is a key member of the executive leadership team. You will be responsible for leading the annual and long-range strategic planning processes, directing corporate development and M&A activities, and overseeing the market and competitive intelligence functions. Your primary mandate is to ensure the company has a robust, forward-looking strategy that anticipates market shifts and positions the organization for sustained, profitable growth. You will collaborate extensively with business unit presidents, functional leaders (Finance, Operations, R&D, Sales), and other key stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and flawless execution of critical initiatives across the enterprise. This role requires a leader with exceptional analytical rigor, profound business acumen, and the executive presence to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization. You will build and mentor a small, high-performance team of strategy professionals dedicated to supporting the company’s growth ambitions.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic Planning & Development
Lead the end-to-end corporate strategic planning process, including the development of the long-range strategic plan (LRSP) and the annual operating plan. Facilitate executive off-sites and workshops to challenge assumptions, explore new opportunities, and build consensus around strategic priorities. Develop comprehensive frameworks for evaluating market attractiveness, competitive positioning, and portfolio optimization.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Drive the corporate M&A strategy in alignment with the company’s growth objectives. Oversee the entire M&A lifecycle, from developing the investment thesis and identifying potential targets to leading due diligence, supporting valuation and negotiation, and planning for successful post-merger integration. Cultivate a network of industry contacts, investment bankers, and private equity firms to ensure a robust pipeline of inorganic growth opportunities.
Market & Competitive Intelligence
Establish and lead a world-class market intelligence function to monitor and analyze industry trends, competitive dynamics, technological disruptions, and macroeconomic factors. Provide actionable insights to the executive team that inform strategic decisions and highlight potential risks and opportunities. You will be expected to be an expert on the future of manufacturing and its implications for the business.
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
Identify, evaluate, and cultivate potential strategic alliances, joint ventures, and other partnership opportunities that can accelerate growth, provide access to new technologies, or expand market reach.
Executive & Board Advisory
Serve as a key thought partner to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on all strategic matters. Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and reports on the company’s strategy, performance against strategic goals, and the external market landscape.
Leadership & Team Management
Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-caliber corporate strategy team. Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. Provide guidance and support to business unit strategy leaders to ensure alignment and best-practice sharing across the organization.
Performance Management
In partnership with Finance, develop and implement a robust framework for tracking the progress and performance of strategic initiatives. Ensure that clear metrics (KPIs/OKRs) are in place and that a regular cadence of review and reporting is maintained.
Requirements for the SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Education
An MBA or other advanced degree in Business, Finance, or a related field from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in an analytical field (e.g., Engineering, Economics, Finance) is required.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, corporate development, investment banking, or management consulting. At least 7 years in a significant leadership role is required.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within the industrial manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or a related capital-intensive industry is essential. Prior experience working within a publicly-traded company is highly desirable.
M&A Track Record
Demonstrable, hands-on experience leading multiple M&A transactions through the full lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence to integration. Proven success in identifying and executing deals that create significant shareholder value.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think conceptually and creatively about complex business problems, and to develop a clear and compelling vision for the future.
Financial Acumen
Superior financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills. A deep understanding of financial statements and corporate finance principles.
Leadership Presence
The ability to command a room and communicate with credibility and influence to senior executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and persuasive arguments.
Collaboration & Influence
A proven ability to build strong relationships and work effectively in a matrixed organization, influencing outcomes without direct authority.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- Competitive Base Salary
- Significant Annual Performance-Based Bonus
- Substantial Long-Term Incentive Program (Stock Options, RSUs)
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with a generous company match
- Executive Financial Planning Services
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- Full Relocation Assistance Package to the Cleveland, OH area
- Professional Development and Continuing Education Allowance
- Executive Wellness Programs
- Life and Disability Insurance
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading this confidential search. To be considered for this pivotal leadership opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting our practice area page.
Please direct your application and any inquiries to our dedicated executive search team. We invite you to explore our work with industry leaders on the JRG Partners Industrial & Manufacturing practice 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.
