Role Overview for Chief Executive Officer with a Mid-Market Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for our client, a highly respected and profitable mid-market manufacturer based in the vibrant industrial hub of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a career-defining opportunity to lead a well-established company with a strong foundation, a dedicated workforce, and significant potential for accelerated growth and market expansion.
Our client has built a sterling reputation over several decades for producing high-quality, specialized products and delivering exceptional customer service. With a solid financial footing and a culture of innovation, the company is poised to enter its next chapter of success. The Board of Directors is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader who can build upon this legacy, driving both top-line revenue growth and bottom-line profitability. The incoming CEO will be the primary architect of the company’s future, responsible for setting the strategic vision, fostering a culture of high performance, and ensuring operational excellence across all facets of the organization.
The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, results-oriented executive with a proven track record of leadership within a manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for the entire organization’s performance, providing inspirational leadership to the executive team and the entire employee base. This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, operational expertise, and commercial savvy. You will be tasked with identifying new market opportunities, optimizing production processes, strengthening customer relationships, and championing innovation. This position offers the chance to make a significant and lasting impact on a thriving American manufacturing business, shaping its trajectory for years to come.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer with a Mid-Market Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
The Chief Executive Officer will have full P&L responsibility and will oversee all strategic and operational aspects of the company. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Vision & Leadership
Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and articulate the company’s long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals. Translate this strategy into actionable, quantitative plans and effectively communicate it throughout the organization to ensure alignment and engagement.
Financial Performance & P&L Management
Assume full responsibility for the company’s financial health and performance. Develop and manage annual budgets, oversee capital allocation, and drive initiatives to maximize revenue, profitability, and cash flow. Ensure robust financial controls and reporting systems are in place.
Operational Excellence
Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Oversee all manufacturing operations, supply chain management, quality assurance, and engineering functions. Drive the implementation of advanced lean manufacturing principles and other best practices to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
Commercial Growth & Business Development
Lead the company’s commercial strategy, including sales, marketing, and new business development. Identify and pursue new market segments, product applications, and strategic partnerships. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing senior executive team. Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable corporate culture that attracts, retains, and develops top talent. Implement effective performance management and succession planning processes.
Corporate Governance & Stakeholder Relations
Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the company’s management. Ensure the company operates with the highest levels of integrity and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. Effectively manage relationships with investors, lenders, and other key external stakeholders.
Innovation & Technology
Drive innovation in both product development and manufacturing processes. Champion the adoption of new technologies and digital tools to enhance efficiency, create competitive advantages, and meet evolving customer needs.
Requirements for the Chief Executive Officer with a Mid-Market Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished business leader with a demonstrated history of success in growing and managing a manufacturing enterprise. Specific qualifications include:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role (e.g., CEO, President, COO, or General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a business of comparable size and complexity.
Manufacturing Industry Expertise
Deep and direct experience within a manufacturing environment is essential. Experience with industrial products, engineered components, or a similar sector is highly preferred. Must have a strong understanding of modern manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and quality systems.
Proven Track Record of Growth
Demonstrated success in driving profitable growth, both organically and through strategic initiatives. Must be able to provide clear examples of developing and executing strategies that resulted in measurable increases in revenue and market share.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Experience with private equity ownership, M&A, and capital markets is a significant plus.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
The ability to think strategically and critically, analyze complex situations, and make sound, data-driven decisions. Must be a visionary leader who can anticipate market trends and position the company for future success.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire trust, build consensus, and influence stakeholders at all levels. Must be a visible and engaging leader who can motivate and empower a diverse workforce.
Location
The candidate must be willing to be based full-time at the company’s headquarters in the Greater Grand Rapids, MI area. Relocation assistance will be provided for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain a leader of the highest caliber. The package includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus opportunity tied to the achievement of key corporate and individual performance goals.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
A meaningful equity or phantom stock ownership opportunity, providing a direct stake in the long-term value creation of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for you and your family.
Retirement Savings Plan
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
Executive Perks
Additional benefits may include a vehicle allowance, professional development budget, and comprehensive relocation assistance package.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical leadership position. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We invite you to learn more about our expertise by visiting the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
