Role Overview for President with a PE-Backed CPG Co-Manufacturer–Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a dynamic and visionary President for a high-growth, private equity-backed Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) co-manufacturer based in the vibrant Charlotte, North Carolina area. This is a premier executive leadership opportunity to take the helm of a well-capitalized company and steer it through its next phase of significant growth and value creation.
The President will serve as the chief executive officer of the company, holding full P&L responsibility and reporting directly to the Board of Directors. This role is designed for a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment and possesses a deep understanding of both the strategic and tactical elements of running a successful manufacturing enterprise. The ideal candidate will act as a true partner to the private equity sponsor, translating their investment thesis into a tangible operational and commercial strategy that delivers exceptional returns.
As the President, you will be responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, and driving superior performance across all functional areas, including operations, finance, sales, and business development. You will be the public face of the organization, building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders. The ultimate objective is to aggressively scale the business, enhance its market position, and maximize enterprise value in preparation for a successful liquidity event within the PE firm’s investment horizon. This role demands a leader who can balance long-term strategic planning with a hands-on approach to daily execution, ensuring the company not only meets but exceeds its ambitious growth targets.
Key Responsibilities of President with a PE-Backed CPG Co-Manufacturer–Charlotte, NC
Strategic Leadership and Visionary Execution
In collaboration with the Board of Directors, develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive strategic plan that drives aggressive top-line growth and bottom-line profitability. Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, service line extensions, and potential M&A targets to accelerate growth and expand market share.
Full P&L and Financial Management
Assume complete ownership of the company’s financial performance. Drive the annual budgeting and long-range planning processes. Meticulously manage cash flow, working capital, and capital expenditures. Ensure the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board and stakeholders, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as EBITDA growth, margin expansion, and return on invested capital.
Operational Excellence and Supply Chain Mastery
Lead all manufacturing and supply chain functions to achieve best-in-class performance. Champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing and refining lean manufacturing principles across the organization. Focus on optimizing production efficiency, ensuring stringent quality control (GMP, SQF, BRC standards), enhancing workplace safety, and managing a resilient and cost-effective supply chain.
Commercial Growth and Customer Partnership
Oversee the sales, marketing, and business development teams to drive robust revenue growth. Personally engage with and cultivate strategic relationships with key existing and prospective customers. Lead the development of pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and service offerings that create a competitive advantage and foster long-term client loyalty.
Team Leadership and Cultural Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing senior leadership team. Foster a positive, results-oriented, and accountable culture throughout the organization. Implement effective talent management strategies, including performance management, succession planning, and professional development programs to attract and retain top-tier talent.
Board and Investor Relations Management
Serve as the primary point of contact with the private equity sponsor and the Board of Directors. Prepare and present regular, transparent updates on company performance, strategic initiatives, market dynamics, and potential risks. Build a relationship of trust and alignment with the board, ensuring all parties are working collaboratively toward shared value-creation goals.
Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
Ensure the company operates with the highest level of integrity and is in full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including those specific to the food and beverage CPG industry (e.g., FDA, USDA). Proactively identify and mitigate operational, financial, and strategic risks.
Requirements for the President with a PE-Backed CPG Co-Manufacturer–Charlotte, NC
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role with full P&L responsibility (e.g., President, CEO, General Manager, or COO) for a business of at least $50M in revenue.
Industry-Specific Expertise
A proven track record of success within the CPG manufacturing, contract manufacturing (co-man), or contract packaging (co-pack) sectors is mandatory. Experience in the food & beverage or related consumer goods space is highly preferred.
Private Equity Acumen
Significant experience leading a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. The candidate must understand the cadence, reporting requirements, and value-creation playbook typical of a PE-owned environment. Demonstrable experience successfully scaling a business for a profitable exit is a major plus.
Operational and Financial Acumen
Deep expertise in manufacturing operations, including lean methodologies, supply chain management, quality systems, and safety protocols. Must possess exceptional financial literacy, with the ability to dissect financial statements, manage a budget, and drive decisions based on key financial metrics.
Commercial Leadership
Demonstrated ability to drive sales growth, build strong customer relationships, and develop and execute effective commercial strategies in a B2B manufacturing environment.
Leadership Qualities
An inspirational and hands-on leader with high emotional intelligence. A history of building, developing, and empowering high-performing teams. Must possess outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, capable of effectively engaging with all levels of the organization, customers, and the Board.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly desirable.
Location
The candidate must be willing to reside in the greater Charlotte, NC area. Relocation assistance is available.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining a top-caliber executive and offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Aggressive Annual Bonus
A significant performance-based annual bonus tied to the achievement of key financial and strategic objectives (e.g., EBITDA targets).
Substantial Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company via a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), providing a significant wealth creation opportunity tied directly to the value you help create, realized upon a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness Benefits
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short/long-term disability coverage.
Retirement Savings Plan
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Executive Perquisites
Includes a generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and other perquisites appropriate for a senior executive role.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this confidential opportunity. We specialize in placing elite executives in high-impact roles within the private equity and CPG sectors. If you are a results-driven leader with the requisite experience and a passion for building great companies, we encourage you to apply.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter for consideration. To learn more about our expertise in this area, we invite you to review our work by exploring our CPG Co-Manufacturing & Co-Packer Search practice. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exciting opportunity in more detail.
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.
