Role Overview for Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Industrial – Houston, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a highly strategic and operationally astute Chief of Staff for the Chief Executive Officer of a rapidly growing, private equity-backed industrial company based in Houston, TX. This is a career-defining opportunity to serve as a critical partner to a visionary CEO, shaping the future of an organization at a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. The company, a leader in its niche within the industrial sector, is undergoing a significant transformation fueled by a recent private equity investment. This infusion of capital is aimed at accelerating organic growth, pursuing strategic acquisitions, and optimizing operational efficiency to establish undisputed market leadership.
The Chief of Staff will act as a force multiplier for the CEO, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans and executed with precision across the organization. This role is not an executive assistant; it is a true strategic partner and confidant to the CEO, integral to the company’s success. You will have a unique vantage point with unparalleled exposure to C-suite decision-making, board-level interactions, M&A activities, and the inner workings of a high-performance, PE-driven environment.
The ideal candidate is a former top-tier management consultant, investment banker, or corporate strategist with a deep understanding of industrial markets, exceptional analytical horsepower, and the executive presence to operate at the highest levels of an organization. You will be instrumental in driving alignment, facilitating communication, and managing complex, cross-functional initiatives that are critical to achieving the firm’s ambitious value creation plan.
Key Responsibilities of Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Industrial – Houston, TX
The Chief of Staff’s responsibilities are dynamic and will evolve with the needs of the CEO and the business. Key areas of focus will include:
Strategic Planning & Execution
Strategic Initiatives
Lead the execution of high-priority, cross-functional projects designated by the CEO, from initial concept and analysis through to implementation and post-mortem review. This includes market entry strategies, new product launches, and major operational changes.
Annual Planning
Drive the annual strategic planning and budgeting process in collaboration with the executive leadership team, ensuring alignment between long-term objectives and short-term financial and operational targets.
M&A and Corporate Development
Support the CEO and corporate development team in identifying, evaluating, and executing potential M&A opportunities. This may involve market mapping, target screening, financial modeling, due diligence support, and post-merger integration planning.
Market Intelligence
Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, providing the CEO with actionable insights to inform strategic decisions.
Operational Cadence & Effectiveness
Executive Governance
Manage the rhythm of the business by structuring and running key leadership meetings, including weekly executive team check-ins, quarterly business reviews, and annual strategy offsites. This includes setting agendas, preparing pre-read materials, documenting key decisions, and driving accountability for follow-up actions.
Performance Management
Collaborate with finance and operations to develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across all departments. You will create dashboards and reports that provide the CEO with a clear view of business performance against strategic goals.
Process Improvement
Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in organizational processes and lead initiatives to improve them, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Executive Support & Communications
Trusted Advisor
Serve as a sounding board and thought partner to the CEO, offering objective advice, challenging assumptions, and providing a confidential space for strategic deliberation.
Communications
Prepare high-impact communications on behalf of the CEO for various stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, private equity sponsors, employees, and key customers. This includes crafting board presentations, investor updates, internal memos, and all-hands meeting content.
Proxy & Representation
Represent the CEO in select internal and external meetings, effectively acting as a proxy to gather information, convey the CEO’s perspective, and drive initiatives forward.
Information Flow
Manage the flow of information to and from the CEO’s office, ensuring critical issues are surfaced promptly and that the CEO’s time is focused on the most pressing priorities.
Requirements for the Chief of Staff with a CEO of a PE-backed Industrial – Houston, TX
We are seeking a candidate with a rare blend of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and a relentless drive for results. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Education & Experience
Education
An MBA from a top-tier business school is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field is required.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of post-graduate experience in a highly demanding and analytical environment. Ideal backgrounds include:
- 2-4 years at a top-tier management consulting firm (e.g., McKinsey, Bain, BCG).
- Experience in investment banking, private equity, or venture capital.
- A corporate strategy, corporate development, or business operations role within a high-growth industrial or manufacturing company.
Industry Acumen
Direct experience or significant exposure to the industrial, manufacturing, energy, or distribution sectors is a significant advantage.
Executive Exposure
Demonstrated experience working directly with C-suite executives and navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional Analytical Skills
Superior quantitative and qualitative analytical abilities, with deep expertise in financial modeling, data analysis, and synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable insights.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think big picture, connect disparate dots, and frame complex problems, while also being able to dive into the details to ensure flawless execution.
Executive Presence & Communication
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate with confidence and credibility to all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Project Management Mastery
Impeccable organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
High Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
A natural ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes without direct authority. Must be a collaborative team player who can build trust and consensus.
Unquestionable Integrity
A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment is essential, as the role involves access to highly sensitive and confidential information.
Bias for Action
A proactive, self-starting mentality with a strong sense of ownership and a relentless focus on achieving results.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive rewards package, including:
Competitive Compensation
A compelling package including a strong base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and the potential for long-term incentive/equity participation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
A commitment to your growth with opportunities for continued learning, executive coaching, and professional development.
Unmatched Career Opportunity
This role offers a fast-track career path with immense learning potential and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of a dynamic, growing enterprise.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search partner for this critical leadership role. If you are a results-driven strategic leader ready to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position.
Learn more about our deep expertise in placing top talent within this sector by visiting the JRG Partners’ Industrial Practice Area page. Our team is dedicated to connecting exceptional leaders with transformative opportunities.
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.
