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Chief Executive Officer (CEO / Manufacturing President)

Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Permanent Position Function: Operations, Sales Job Number: 12061132

Job Description

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.

Meet Your Recruiter

Janice Martinez
Associate Director of Talent Acquisition

Janice Martinez has been a key part of Naviga’s talent acquisition team for over four years. Her journey with the firm began uniquely as a part-time temporary Sourcer during the pandemic in 2020. Quickly recognized for her adaptability and broad skill set, Janice transitioned into a permanent role where she has taken on a dynamic range of responsibilities, contributing to many areas beyond traditional recruiting.

Before joining Naviga, Janice amassed over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and management. This extensive background enables her to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to talent acquisition, challenging conventional approaches and driving continuous improvement. Her willingness to step up — whether managing marketing projects, improving KPI reporting, or supporting visual branding with content creation — has made her a versatile and invaluable team member.

In her current role as Associate Director of TA, Janice focuses on strategic sourcing, comprehensive KPI reporting, and administration of Naviga’s Applicant Tracking System to optimize process efficiency and data integrity. She also supports the firm’s operations by troubleshooting and managing logistics, and often fills in as a graphic designer to support the firm’s visual communication needs.

Janice embodies Naviga’s culture by fostering open, honest communication and bringing a balanced mix of professionalism and approachability. She values the firm’s culture of autonomy and inclusivity, appreciating the trust and freedom Naviga provides its team members to take ownership and innovate. She is proud of Naviga’s courage to evolve, adapt, and embrace diverse perspectives — qualities she champions in her daily work.

Outside the office, Janice enjoys staying active, savoring good food and drinks with friends, and spending quality time with her family — especially watching her son play baseball. She also pursues creative hobbies like knitting and woodworking.

Her key advice to new Naviga team members is to ask questions and openly share ideas, emphasizing that every fresh perspective is vital to the firm’s ongoing growth and innovation. Janice’s dedication, adaptability, and collaborative spirit make her an essential contributor to Naviga’s success and a trusted leader within the team.

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About Chicago, IL

Unlock your potential in the bustling job market around Chicago, Illinois! Dive into a world of endless possibilities and growth opportunities in the Windy City and its vibrant suburbs. From iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier to the world-class cuisine of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, this area is rich in culture and charm. Immerse yourself in the thriving arts scene at the Art Institute of Chicago or enjoy a night out at the renowned Second City comedy club. With top-notch theaters, professional sports teams like the Cubs and the Bears, and lush green spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago offers an unbeatable lifestyle for career-driven individuals. Explore our job listings today and discover why Chicago is the perfect place to kickstart your career journey!