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# Chief Operating Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX


Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial manufacturing company in their search for a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in the dynamic industrial hub of Houston, TX, this is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The company is at a critical inflection point, poised for significant organic and inorganic growth under the strategic guidance of a top-tier private equity sponsor. The incoming COO will be the driving force behind operational scalability, efficiency, and excellence, directly impacting the company’s value creation and successful exit strategy.
This is not a standard operational management position; it is a strategic partnership with the CEO and the PE sponsor to build a world-class organization. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, data-driven operational leader with a proven track record of success within a leveraged, fast-paced, and metric-intensive environment. You will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic vision into a tangible operational plan, overseeing all aspects of manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, quality control, and engineering.
Your mission is to implement robust systems and processes, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and develop a high-performing team capable of meeting aggressive growth targets. You will be instrumental in integrating potential acquisitions, optimizing the company’s footprint, and ensuring that the operational infrastructure can support a business several times its current size. This role demands a leader who can balance long-term strategic planning with hands-on, day-to-day execution, ensuring flawless delivery for customers while maximizing profitability and enterprise value.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, encompassing the entire operational landscape of the organization. Key responsibilities are outlined below:
Strategic Leadership & Operational Planning

Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company’s long-term strategic plan, with a specific focus on operational capabilities and scalability.
Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and financial targets.
Lead the annual operating plan (AOP) process for all operational departments, ensuring alignment with financial budgets and strategic priorities.
Conduct comprehensive analyses of operational performance, market trends, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for improvement and strategic pivots.

Manufacturing & Production Excellence

Oversee all manufacturing operations across multiple sites, ensuring production targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) are consistently met and exceeded.
Champion and implement continuous improvement initiatives using methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
Develop and manage capital expenditure (CapEx) plans to support growth, technology upgrades, and capacity expansion.
Ensure a culture of safety is paramount across all facilities, adhering to and exceeding all regulatory and compliance standards (e.g., OSHA).

Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics

Develop and lead a world-class global supply chain strategy to optimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and mitigate supply chain risks.
Oversee strategic sourcing and procurement functions, building strong relationships with key suppliers and negotiating favorable terms to improve gross margins.
Manage all logistics, warehousing, and distribution operations to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products to a global customer base.
Implement and refine Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to improve forecasting accuracy and align production with market demand.

Financial & Performance Management

Hold full P&L responsibility for the company’s operations, meticulously managing budgets, controlling costs, and driving profitability.
Establish, monitor, and report on a comprehensive set of operational KPIs to the executive team and Board of Directors, providing insights and recommending corrective actions.
Utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to make informed decisions and to achieve best-in-class operational excellence.
Drive working capital improvements through effective management of inventory, payables, and receivables within the operational sphere.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber operational leadership team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Implement robust talent management processes, including performance management, succession planning, and professional development programs for the operations organization.
Champion a positive and inclusive company culture that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent at all levels.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Integration

Play a key role in the due diligence process for potential acquisition targets, assessing their operational capabilities, synergies, and integration challenges.
Lead the post-acquisition integration of operations, ensuring a smooth transition and rapid realization of identified synergies.

Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with a PE-backed Industrial Co. – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a proven operational executive with a history of driving significant value creation in complex industrial settings. Specific qualifications include:
Required Experience & Qualifications

A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility.
Demonstrable experience within an industrial manufacturing environment is essential. Experience in sectors such as specialty chemicals, engineered products, heavy equipment, or similar industries is highly preferred.
Significant experience working within a private equity-backed company is strongly required. The candidate must understand the pace, metrics-driven culture, and value creation objectives inherent to a PE-owned portfolio company.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is required.
Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale operational transformations and continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.), resulting in measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and quality.
Strong financial acumen with deep experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing a multi-site operational P&L.
Experience in leading M&A due diligence and post-merger integration activities.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification is a significant plus.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, and to articulate a clear vision and strategy to a wide range of stakeholders, including the board, employees, and customers.
A highly analytical and data-driven mindset. You are comfortable diving deep into the numbers to identify trends and drive decisions.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on, ‘roll-up-the-sleeves’ approach to execution.
High-energy, resilient, and resourceful, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and results-oriented environment.
Unquestionable integrity, credibility, and character.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A strong base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Aggressive Bonus Structure
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to the achievement of individual and company-wide goals.
Meaningful Equity Participation
A substantial equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit event.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings Plan
A 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
Paid Time Off
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing executive education and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-driven operational leader with a passion for building great companies and a proven track record of success in a private equity environment, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information or to discuss your qualifications, please connect with our dedicated private equity practice group. We look forward to learning more about how your skills and experience align with the needs of our client.