Role Overview for CEO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to partner with a leading private equity firm in their search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role is for a mid-market manufacturing company based in the vibrant Tampa, Florida area. The company, a well-established leader in its niche, has recently been acquired and is poised for an aggressive phase of growth, operational enhancement, and market expansion under new ownership.
We are seeking a transformative leader who can step into this high-impact position and partner with the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor to craft and execute a strategic plan that delivers exceptional value creation. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in leading manufacturing organizations, particularly within a private equity-backed environment. This is a unique opportunity to take the helm of a solid enterprise and steer it towards its next level of success, leveraging significant capital investment and strategic support.
The new CEO will be responsible for the company’s overall performance, holding full P&L responsibility and overseeing all aspects of the business, from strategic planning and financial management to operations, sales, and marketing. You will be the central figure in shaping the company’s future, building a high-performance culture, and ultimately driving significant enterprise value for all stakeholders ahead of a future exit event. This role demands a balance of strategic foresight, operational grit, and inspirational leadership.
Key Responsibilities of CEO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
The CEO will be accountable for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the company. Key responsibilities are broad and require a hands-on yet strategic approach:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- In collaboration with the Board and PE sponsor, develop and execute a comprehensive long-term strategic plan that encompasses organic growth, operational improvements, and potential M&A activities.
- Clearly articulate the company’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment across all levels of the organization.
- Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, product extensions, and geographic expansions to accelerate revenue growth.
- Continuously monitor the competitive landscape and industry trends to maintain and enhance the company’s market-leading position.
- Champion a culture of innovation, encouraging new ideas and approaches to product development, manufacturing processes, and customer engagement.
Operational Excellence
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across all manufacturing and operational functions, implementing lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, or other relevant methodologies.
- Oversee the entire supply chain, from procurement and inventory management to logistics and distribution, to optimize for cost, quality, and efficiency.
- Ensure the highest standards of product quality and safety are maintained, meeting all regulatory and customer requirements.
- Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive data-driven decision-making.
- Invest in technology and automation where appropriate to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve operational scalability.
Financial Management & P&L Ownership
- Assume full P&L responsibility, driving both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability.
- Develop and manage the annual budget, financial forecasts, and long-range financial plans in partnership with the CFO.
- Direct capital allocation strategies to ensure investments are made in projects with the highest potential for return.
- Ensure the implementation of robust financial controls and reporting systems to provide accurate and timely information to the Board and investors.
- Manage cash flow, working capital, and the company’s balance sheet to ensure financial health and stability.
Team Leadership & Culture Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a world-class senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance executive culture.
- Inspire and motivate employees at all levels, fostering a culture of accountability, ownership, and engagement.
- Champion professional development and succession planning initiatives to build a strong talent pipeline within the organization.
- Establish clear communication channels throughout the company to ensure transparency and alignment with strategic objectives.
Stakeholder & Board Management
- Serve as the primary liaison between the company and the Board of Directors and private equity sponsor.
- Provide regular, transparent, and insightful updates on company performance, strategic initiatives, and market conditions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, industry partners, and the local community.
- Act as the public face of the company, representing its interests and enhancing its brand reputation.
Requirements for the CEO, Portfolio Company with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Tampa, FL
The ideal candidate will possess a distinguished track record of executive leadership and a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector. Specific qualifications include:
Experience & Background
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a General Manager, President, or CEO role with full P&L responsibility for a business of at least $50 million in annual revenue.
- Demonstrable experience within the manufacturing industry is essential. Experience in industrial products, building materials, or a related sector is highly preferred.
- Proven success operating within a private equity-backed environment is strongly required. The candidate must understand the pace, metrics, and reporting cadence typical of PE ownership.
- A track record of successfully executing strategic growth initiatives, including organic growth strategies and M&A integration.
- Hands-on experience in driving operational excellence and implementing continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) that have resulted in tangible improvements in efficiency, quality, and profitability.
Skills & Competencies
Strategic Mindset
Ability to see and communicate the big picture and translate it into actionable, quantitative plans.
Financial Acumen
Deep understanding of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and key financial levers in a manufacturing business.
Inspirational Leadership
Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams and foster a positive, results-oriented culture.
Decisive & Action-Oriented
A bias for action and an ability to make tough decisions with speed and conviction, based on a combination of data and sound judgment.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate a clear vision and effectively engage with the Board, employees, customers, and partners.
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
The compensation package for this role is designed to attract and retain a top-tier executive leader. It includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus potential tied to the achievement of specific financial and strategic objectives (e.g., EBITDA, Revenue Growth).
Equity Participation
A substantial equity stake or Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) in the company, providing a direct opportunity to share in the value created upon a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Plan
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) and holiday package.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate if required.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for high-growth companies. To learn more about our expertise in placing C-suite leaders in investment-backed organizations, please visit the homepage for JRG Partners’ Private Equity executive search practice. We look forward to reviewing your application.
