Role Overview for SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Corporate Strategy for a multi-billion dollar, market-leading global manufacturer headquartered in the Greater Cleveland, OH area. This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity to shape the future trajectory of an established and respected industrial powerhouse. As a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the SVP of Corporate Strategy will be the principal architect of the company’s long-range strategic vision and growth agenda.
This role is not merely about planning; it is about execution and impact. You will be at the nexus of innovation, market dynamics, and corporate development, tasked with identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that will secure the company’s competitive advantage for the next decade and beyond. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a profound understanding of the global manufacturing landscape, a proven track record in driving strategic initiatives, and the executive presence to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the Board of Directors.
You will be responsible for navigating the complexities of digital transformation, global supply chains, sustainability mandates, and evolving customer expectations. This position requires a leader who can translate complex market analysis and financial modeling into actionable, compelling strategies that inspire the organization and deliver tangible results. You will lead a dedicated team of strategy professionals and work in close collaboration with leaders across all business units and functional areas to ensure strategic alignment and seamless execution across the global enterprise.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
The SVP, Corporate Strategy will have a broad and impactful remit, overseeing all aspects of the strategic planning process, corporate development, and competitive intelligence. Key responsibilities include:
Global Strategy Formulation & Execution
Spearhead the annual and long-range strategic planning process in partnership with the CEO and executive team. Develop and refine the corporate vision, translating it into a coherent, actionable strategic plan with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocation. This involves leveraging advanced strategic planning frameworks to conduct scenario planning, identify key business priorities, and ensure the strategy remains agile and responsive to market shifts.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Strategic Alliances
Lead the corporate development function, including the identification, evaluation, and execution of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. You will build and manage a robust M&A pipeline that aligns with the corporate strategy, oversee due diligence processes, and play a key role in negotiation and post-merger integration planning to ensure value creation.
Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis
Build and lead a world-class market intelligence function to provide deep insights into market trends, customer needs, technological advancements, and the competitive landscape. Proactively identify potential threats and opportunities, providing the executive team and Board with timely, data-driven analysis to inform critical business decisions.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
Act as a catalyst for innovation across the organization. Identify and champion transformative initiatives, including those related to Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, new business models, and sustainability. Evaluate emerging technologies and their potential impact on the business, guiding investment in areas that will drive long-term growth and operational excellence.
Executive Leadership & Board Engagement
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board of Directors on all strategic matters. Prepare and deliver compelling presentations on the company’s strategy, market positioning, and key initiatives. Articulate a clear and convincing vision for the company’s future to internal teams, investors, and other external stakeholders.
Performance Management & Strategic KPIs
In collaboration with the CFO and business unit leaders, establish a rigorous framework for measuring strategic performance. Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the progress of strategic initiatives, ensure accountability, and drive a culture of results-oriented execution. Provide regular, transparent reporting on progress against the strategic plan.
Business Portfolio Optimization
Continuously assess the company’s portfolio of businesses, products, and geographic markets. Provide recommendations for portfolio optimization, including market entry strategies, resource reallocation, and potential divestitures of non-core assets to maximize shareholder value.
Cross-Functional Leadership and Collaboration
Foster a collaborative, strategy-focused culture throughout the organization. Work closely with leaders in operations, finance, marketing, sales, and R&D to ensure that the corporate strategy is effectively integrated into their functional and operational plans. Build strong relationships to champion strategic initiatives and overcome obstacles to implementation.
Requirements for the SVP, Corporate Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
We are seeking a seasoned and sophisticated executive with a demonstrated history of strategic leadership and value creation within a complex, global organization. The specific qualifications for this role include:
Educational Background
An MBA or other relevant advanced degree from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, or a related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in corporate strategy, corporate development, management consulting, or investment banking. This must include at least 7-10 years in a significant leadership role, with experience managing a team and influencing C-suite executives.
Industry Acumen
Deep and demonstrable experience within the industrial manufacturing sector is essential. Familiarity with verticals such as automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, or diversified industrial products is highly desirable. Prior experience in a top-tier management consulting firm with a focus on the industrial practice is a significant plus.
Functional Expertise
Proven mastery of the full M&A lifecycle, from strategy and sourcing through to due diligence, negotiation, and integration. Exceptional financial acumen and sophisticated analytical skills, with the ability to build complex models and derive insights from data to support strategic recommendations.
Leadership Competencies
A visionary and strategic thinker with the ability to see the ‘big picture’ and anticipate future trends. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex ideas with clarity and conviction to diverse audiences. A highly collaborative leader with strong influencing skills and the ability to build consensus and drive change in a matrixed global organization.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in developing and implementing corporate strategies that have resulted in significant, measurable business growth, market share gains, and enhanced profitability.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience working in and leading strategy for a global organization with operations across multiple continents. A nuanced understanding of international markets, cultures, and regulatory environments is required.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary and attractive annual performance-based bonus.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (equity, stock options, or similar).
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Executive-level relocation package to the Cleveland, OH area.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive coaching.
- Executive perks such as a car allowance and club memberships.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a global industry leader.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm for this critical leadership position. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We invite qualified candidates to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and strategic accomplishments for consideration.
To express your interest, please apply directly through this posting or contact the lead recruiter managing this search. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
