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# President, Industrial Division with a PE-backed Group – Cleveland, OH


JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative President for the Industrial Division of a high-growth, private equity-backed manufacturing group. This is a premier executive leadership opportunity based in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area, offering the chance to take full ownership of a substantial business unit and guide it through its next phase of significant value creation.
Our client is a market-leading portfolio company of a respected middle-market private equity firm. They are renowned for their engineered products and commitment to quality and innovation. With a solid foundation and fresh capital investment, the company is poised for aggressive growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. We are seeking a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of success in a PE-backed environment to harness this potential and drive exceptional outcomes.
This role is not for a caretaker. It is for a builder and a strategic operator who thrives in a fast-paced, metric-driven environment. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader, capable of inspiring a team, optimizing operations, and executing a strategic vision that will deliver a top-tier return for all stakeholders. If you are a high-energy executive with a passion for industrial manufacturing and a history of creating enterprise value, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Role Overview for President, Industrial Division with a PE-backed Group – Cleveland, OH
As the President of the Industrial Division, you will serve as the senior executive leader, vested with full P&L responsibility and strategic authority for the business unit. Reporting directly to the Group CEO and working in close partnership with the private equity sponsors, you will be the architect of the division’s future. Your primary mandate is to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy that accelerates profitable growth, enhances operational efficiency, and expands market share.
You will be responsible for all facets of the division, including strategy, sales, marketing, operations, engineering, finance, and human resources. This requires a leader who is both a strategic visionary and a tactical expert, capable of translating long-term goals into actionable, daily execution. You will be expected to build upon the division’s existing strengths while identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities for innovation and expansion. A key focus will be on fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity. Your leadership will be pivotal in shaping the organization’s capabilities, driving financial performance, and ultimately realizing the investment thesis for the PE firm.
Key Responsibilities of President, Industrial Division with a PE-backed Group – Cleveland, OH
The President will be accountable for a broad range of critical functions. Success will be measured by tangible improvements in revenue, EBITDA, cash flow, and overall enterprise value. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership and Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a robust 3-5 year strategic plan in collaboration with the executive team and PE sponsors. Continuously assess market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to ensure the division’s strategy remains relevant and effective. Identify and evaluate potential M&A targets that align with the strategic vision.
Full P&L and Financial Management
Assume complete ownership of the division’s P&L. Develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and long-range plans. Drive top-line revenue growth through effective commercial strategies while relentlessly focusing on cost management and margin enhancement. Manage working capital effectively to optimize cash flow. Provide transparent, accurate, and timely financial reporting to the board and stakeholders.
Operational Excellence and Supply Chain Optimization
Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all manufacturing and operational functions. Drive efficiency and quality by implementing world-class operational excellence frameworks such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Oversee supply chain management, logistics, and procurement to ensure resilience, cost-effectiveness, and on-time delivery. Uphold the highest standards of workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Commercial and Market Growth
Lead the division’s commercial strategy to drive aggressive organic growth. Oversee the sales, marketing, and business development teams to expand into new markets, channels, and customer segments. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key strategic customers. Develop and implement dynamic pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing senior leadership team. Conduct rigorous talent assessments and develop succession plans for critical roles. Foster a positive, high-energy, and results-driven culture that attracts, retains, and develops top talent. Lead by example with unwavering integrity and a hands-on approach.
Stakeholder and Board Management
Serve as the primary interface between the division and the PE sponsors, board of directors, and other key stakeholders. Establish a strong cadence of communication, providing clear and concise updates on performance, strategy, and key initiatives. Build trust and alignment through proactive and transparent partnership.
Requirements for the President, Industrial Division with a PE-backed Group – Cleveland, OH
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of leading and scaling industrial manufacturing businesses within a private equity context. We are seeking a unique blend of strategic intellect, operational expertise, commercial acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in the industrial manufacturing sector, with at least 5 years in a General Manager, Divisional President, or similar role with full P&L responsibility for a business of at least $75M in annual revenue.
Private Equity Acumen
Verifiable experience working within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. The candidate must understand the pace, rigor, and data-driven nature of PE ownership, including the focus on rapid value creation, key performance indicators (KPIs), and a successful exit strategy.
Industry Background
Deep experience in an industrial manufacturing environment is essential. Specific experience with engineered products, specialty materials, automation, or capital equipment is highly desirable.
Financial and Operational Expertise
Exceptional financial acumen with a deep understanding of financial statements, cash flow management, and the key levers for driving EBITDA growth. Proven success in driving operational excellence, lean transformations, and supply chain improvements that result in tangible cost savings and efficiency gains.
Leadership and Communication Skills
An inspirational and decisive leader with the ability to build and motivate high-performing teams. Must possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with customers, employees, and board members.
Strategic and Commercial Mindset
A proven strategist who can identify market opportunities and translate them into actionable growth initiatives. Experience in leading commercial functions and driving above-market organic growth is critical. Experience with M&A, from due diligence to post-merger integration, is a significant asset.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining a world-class leader and offers a highly competitive and compelling executive compensation package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards for a role of this scope.
Aggressive Annual Bonus Plan
A significant 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 via a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation tied directly to the value you help create.
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 matching contribution.
Executive Benefits
Includes generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and other executive-level perquisites.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package will be offered to the selected candidate if required.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the sole and exclusive search firm managing this critical recruitment. We are actively interviewing qualified candidates for this confidential search.
If you are a proven industrial leader with the skills, experience, and drive to lead this division to new heights, we encourage you to apply. All applications and inquiries will be handled with the strictest confidence. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the homepage for our Private Equity executive search practice. We look forward to connecting with you.