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# Chief Executive Officer with a PE-backed Consumer Durables Co. – Grand Rapids, MI


Role Overview for Chief Executive Officer with a PE-backed Consumer Durables Co. – Grand Rapids, MI
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a market-leading, private equity-backed consumer durables company headquartered in the vibrant community of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned executive to take the helm of a well-established business with a strong brand reputation, a loyal customer base, and significant untapped potential for growth. Our client, backed by a prestigious middle-market private equity firm, is at a pivotal inflection point, poised for accelerated expansion through organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The PE sponsor has a clear investment thesis centered on operational excellence, product innovation, and market share expansion, with the ultimate goal of achieving a highly successful exit within a 3-5 year timeframe.
The incoming CEO will serve as the strategic architect and driving force behind the company’s next chapter of success. This individual will be granted full P&L responsibility and the autonomy to shape the organization’s vision, culture, and strategic direction. Working in close partnership with an engaged and supportive Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor, the CEO will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive growth strategy that delivers exceptional value for all stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of scaling businesses, a deep understanding of the consumer durables landscape, and extensive experience navigating the unique demands and opportunities of a private equity environment. This role requires a leader who can balance long-term strategic planning with rigorous, hands-on execution, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The successful candidate will not only lead the company to new heights of financial performance but will also build a sustainable, high-performing organization capable of thriving long into the future.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer with a PE-backed Consumer Durables Co. – Grand Rapids, MI
The Chief Executive Officer will assume a wide range of responsibilities critical to the company’s success. The core duties are multifaceted and require a dynamic blend of strategic, operational, commercial, and financial leadership:
Strategic Vision and Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a clear and compelling long-range strategic plan that aligns with the private equity sponsor’s investment thesis. Translate strategy into actionable annual operating plans with clear metrics (KPIs) and objectives. Continuously assess market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to ensure the company maintains a sustainable competitive advantage.
Financial Stewardship and P&L Ownership
Assume full P&L responsibility for the entire organization. Drive top-line revenue growth while simultaneously focusing on EBITDA margin expansion through rigorous cost control, operational efficiencies, and strategic pricing. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation processes to optimize resource deployment and maximize return on investment. Ensure the integrity of all financial reporting and controls.
Private Equity and Board Partnership
Cultivate a transparent, collaborative, and highly effective working relationship with the private equity sponsor and the Board of Directors. Provide regular, insightful updates on performance, strategic initiatives, and market dynamics. Lead the development of a comprehensive value creation plan and guide the company towards a successful exit event, which may include a sale to a strategic buyer, a secondary buyout, or an IPO.
Commercial and Sales Leadership
Lead the company’s commercial strategy, including sales, marketing, and business development. Drive market share gains by expanding into new channels (e.g., e-commerce, D2C), geographies, and customer segments. Personally engage with key customers and partners to foster strong, long-term relationships. Champion a customer-centric culture throughout the organization.
Operational Excellence and Supply Chain Management
Oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, including manufacturing, sourcing, logistics, and quality assurance. Champion continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Build a resilient and agile supply chain capable of supporting rapid growth and navigating market volatility.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class senior executive team. Attract and retain top-tier talent across all functions. Foster a high-performance culture characterized by accountability, collaboration, transparency, and a strong sense of urgency. Champion employee engagement and professional development to create a motivated and empowered workforce.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
In partnership with the PE sponsor, identify, evaluate, and execute strategic bolt-on acquisitions that align with the company’s growth objectives. Lead the due diligence process and oversee the successful integration of acquired businesses to realize synergies and accelerate value creation.
Requirements for the Chief Executive Officer with a PE-backed Consumer Durables Co. – Grand Rapids, MI
The ideal candidate will be a proven business leader with a history of success in comparable environments. Specific qualifications and attributes include:
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a P&L leadership role as a CEO, President, or General Manager of a business of significant scale.
Private Equity Experience
A demonstrable track record of success as a senior executive within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. Experience reporting to a PE-backed board and a deep understanding of the cadence, metrics, and value creation levers in this environment are critical. Prior experience leading a company through a successful exit is a significant asset.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in the consumer durables, consumer products, or light manufacturing sectors is required. The candidate must understand the nuances of product development, brand management, and multi-channel distribution in this space.
Proven Growth Driver
A quantifiable history of driving significant, profitable growth, both organically and through acquisitions. Must be able to point to specific examples of scaling a business, entering new markets, and increasing enterprise value.
Financial and Operational Acumen
Exceptional financial literacy with the ability to dissect a P&L and balance sheet to identify opportunities and risks. A strong operational mindset with experience in lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and quality systems.
Leadership Style
An inspirational and servant leader who is also hands-on, metrics-driven, and holds themselves and their team to the highest standards of performance. Must possess executive presence, high emotional intelligence, and the ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This position offers a highly attractive and competitive compensation package designed to reward performance and align the CEO’s success with that of the investors. The package includes:

A competitive and compelling base salary.
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to key financial metrics such as revenue growth and EBITDA targets.
A substantial equity stake in the company via a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit event.
A comprehensive executive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
Executive-level perquisites, which may include a vehicle allowance and club memberships.
A comprehensive relocation package to the Grand Rapids, MI area for the successful candidate and their family.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential Chief Executive Officer position. If you are a visionary leader with the experience and drive to lead this dynamic company through its next phase of transformative growth, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest. For more information about our expertise in placing top-tier executives in private equity-backed companies, please visit our Private Equity Practice page. We look forward to learning more about your background and how you can make a significant impact on our client’s success.