The Opportunity
This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for a transformation-focused Chief Executive Officer to lead a middle-market industrial manufacturing firm through its next phase of modernization. The board requires an operationally grounded leader to integrate smart factory automation, optimize global supply chains, and drive high-margin revenue growth. You will step into a well-capitalized business ready to scale, with complete P&L authority and a mandate to build lasting enterprise value.
About the Company
This organization is a trusted, decades-old partner to OEM manufacturers, specializing in precision-engineered industrial components. Recently acquired by a leading private equity sponsor, the firm is aggressively pivoting from legacy production methods to a highly automated, data-driven manufacturing model while maintaining its commitment to absolute quality and safety.
The Location
This position is headquartered in the greater Chicago, Illinois area. It requires an active, visible leadership presence on the manufacturing floor and across regional production facilities to drive cultural alignment and operational excellence.
What You Will Do
Responsibility 1: Direct a comprehensive operational transformation, integrating robotics and predictive maintenance technology to optimize shop-floor efficiency. Responsibility 2: Restructure the global supply chain and procurement strategies to protect gross margins against material volatility and logistical disruptions. Responsibility 3: Overhaul the enterprise sales strategy to capture new contracts in emerging markets, including green energy and advanced automotive sectors. Responsibility 4: Cultivate a safety-first, high-performance culture that bridges the gap between tenured manufacturing staff and new engineering talent.
Who You Are
Requirement 1: Ten or more years of senior executive leadership within the industrial manufacturing, automation, or heavy engineering sectors. Requirement 2: Verifiable experience operating as a CEO or Division President within a private equity-backed portfolio company, with a strong history of EBITDA expansion. Requirement 3: Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing principles, smart factory integration, and complex capital expenditure planning. Requirement 4: Exceptional ability to manage board relations and communicate strategic operational shifts clearly to financial sponsors.
Ideal Candidate
You are a pragmatic, results-oriented leader who is as comfortable on the shop floor as you are in the boardroom. You respect the legacy of traditional manufacturing but possess the foresight to push for necessary technological modernization. You lead by example, building trust with your workforce through transparency, decisiveness, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.
Flexibility & Work-Life Integration
Work Structure: Onsite executive leadership in Chicago, IL, with periodic travel to regional plants and supplier sites. Schedule: Standard executive hours with the flexibility required to address shift operations and manufacturing criticalities. Environment: A dynamic, industrial production environment focused on safety, precision engineering, and continuous technological advancement.
Why Join the Team?
You will take the helm of a respected industrial business at a pivotal moment in its history. The private equity sponsor is deeply committed to funding capital improvements, giving you the resources necessary to execute your vision. This role offers significant equity participation and the chance to leave a permanent mark on the future of American manufacturing.
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About Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search
Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search is a leading provider of Contingent Workforce Solutions, Executive Search, Leadership and Individual Contributor hiring, empowering businesses to achieve their strategic objectives through expert talent acquisition. Our specialties include sales, marketing, finance/accounting and operations hiring. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of market trends, Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search helps organizations build high-performing teams and navigate complex workforce challenges. Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search specializes in U.S. Hiring for Global Businesses.
