Role Overview for CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Automation Integrator Platform – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to conduct a search for a transformative Chief Executive Officer for a high-growth, private equity-backed industrial automation integrator platform. Headquartered in the dynamic business hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, our client is a market-leading provider of custom automation solutions, systems integration, and advanced manufacturing technologies. With a strong foundation and the strategic and financial backing of a prominent middle-market private equity firm, the company is poised for exponential growth through a focused “buy and build” strategy.
This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary and results-oriented executive to take the helm of a robust platform and steer it through its next phase of significant value creation. The incoming CEO will be tasked with scaling the organization, driving both organic and inorganic growth, and ultimately positioning the company for a highly successful exit within a 3-5 year investment horizon. You will inherit a talented team and a portfolio of blue-chip customers, with a clear mandate to professionalize operations, expand service offerings, and execute a strategic M&A playbook.
The ideal candidate is not just a manager but a builder; an executive with a deep understanding of the industrial technology landscape and a proven track record of success in a private equity environment. You will be the central figure in shaping the company’s future, fostering a culture of performance and innovation, and building a nationally recognized leader in the industrial automation sector. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, operational expertise, and inspirational leadership.
Key Responsibilities of CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Automation Integrator Platform – Charlotte, NC
The CEO will have full P&L responsibility and will be accountable for the overall performance and strategic direction of the company. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership and Visionary Planning
In collaboration with the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor, develop, articulate, and execute a compelling long-term strategic plan that drives market leadership and shareholder value. This includes defining the company’s vision, mission, and core values, and ensuring they are embedded throughout the organization. You will be responsible for identifying new market opportunities, potential service line expansions, and technological advancements that will secure a competitive advantage.
Financial Performance and P&L Ownership
Assume full responsibility for the company’s financial health and performance. Drive top-line revenue growth and bottom-line profitability through rigorous management of the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to the Board. Implement robust financial controls and planning processes to ensure predictability and accountability.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Execution and Integration
Act as the primary driver of the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Work closely with the PE sponsor to build a robust pipeline of strategic acquisition targets. Lead the evaluation, due diligence, negotiation, and closing of add-on acquisitions. Crucially, you will be responsible for developing and executing a disciplined post-merger integration playbook to ensure seamless consolidation of people, processes, and systems, and to realize targeted synergies.
Operational Excellence and Scalability
Lead the drive for operational excellence across all facets of the business, including engineering, project management, manufacturing, and field service. Implement best practices and scalable systems (e.g., ERP, CRM) to support rapid growth, improve project margins, enhance quality, and ensure exceptional customer satisfaction. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.
Commercial Strategy and Market Expansion
Develop and lead a high-performance commercial organization. Oversee all sales, marketing, and business development functions to accelerate organic growth. Refine the company’s go-to-market strategy, pricing models, and channel partnerships. Cultivate and maintain executive-level relationships with key customers and strategic partners to drive long-term revenue streams.
Team Leadership and Culture Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class senior executive team. Attract and retain top talent throughout the organization. Foster a dynamic, collaborative, and results-driven culture rooted in accountability, transparency, and a commitment to excellence. Champion employee development and create clear pathways for career progression.
Board Management and Investor Relations
Serve as the primary interface between the company and its Board of Directors. Prepare and present comprehensive business updates, strategic initiatives, and financial reports at board meetings. Maintain a transparent and collaborative relationship with the private equity sponsor, ensuring alignment on all key strategic and operational objectives.
Technology and Innovation Leadership
Ensure the company remains at the forefront of the rapidly evolving industrial automation landscape. Champion innovation and stay abreast of critical trends such as Industry 4.0, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), robotics, machine vision, and artificial intelligence. Guide the company’s technology roadmap to ensure its solutions deliver maximum value to customers.
Requirements for the CEO with a PE-Backed Industrial Automation Integrator Platform – Charlotte, NC
The successful candidate will be a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of leading and scaling businesses within the industrial technology sector. Specific qualifications include:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a P&L leadership role (e.g., CEO, President, General Manager) for a business of at least $50 million in annual revenue.
Private Equity Experience
A proven track record of success as a senior executive within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. Candidates must understand the pace, reporting cadence, and value-creation methodologies inherent in a PE environment.
Industry Domain Expertise
Deep experience in the industrial automation, systems integration, controls engineering, robotics, or a closely related industrial technology sector is required. You must be fluent in the language of the industry and credible with customers, employees, and technical teams.
M&A and Integration Mastery
Demonstrable experience leading the full lifecycle of M&A, from sourcing and diligence to negotiation and, most importantly, successful post-merger integration. The ability to effectively integrate acquired companies to achieve strategic and financial goals is paramount.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial literacy with the ability to dissect financial statements, manage by the numbers, and engage in high-level financial strategy discussions with the board and investors. Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and key financial levers is essential.
Commercial Acumen
A strong background in sales, business development, or commercial leadership with a history of driving significant organic revenue growth.
Leadership and Team Building
An inspirational and decisive leader known for building high-performance teams and fostering a positive, accountable culture. A “player-coach” mentality with a willingness to be hands-on when necessary.
Strategic and Analytical Skills
The ability to think strategically at a high level while also paying close attention to operational detail. A data-driven decision-maker with exceptional problem-solving skills.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to act as the primary spokesperson for the company and present effectively to diverse stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the Board of Directors.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
Location
Willingness to be based at the company headquarters in Charlotte, NC is required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This is a unique opportunity to lead a company with significant upside potential. The compensation package is designed to attract and reward a top-tier executive and will include:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards for a PE-backed CEO role.
Significant Annual Bonus
A substantial performance-based annual bonus tied to the achievement of key financial and strategic objectives (e.g., EBITDA, revenue growth).
Substantial Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit. This is the most critical component of the compensation package and aligns the CEO’s interests directly with those of the investors.
Comprehensive Executive Health Benefits
A full suite of benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family.
Retirement Savings Plan
Access to a 401(k) plan with a competitive company matching program.
Executive Perquisites
Additional benefits may include life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and an executive allowance.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and generous PTO policy to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package will be provided for the successful candidate and their family to move to the Charlotte area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical leadership appointment. We are committed to identifying and engaging with the most qualified leaders in the industry. If you are a visionary executive with a passion for building great companies and a track record of success in the industrial automation and private equity space, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for this role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the technology and industrial sectors. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit our Industrial Automation & Robotics Integrator Executive Search Firm 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.
