Chief Executive Officer

Company Summary:

Our client is a $60+ million leading manufacturer of truck systems and trailer accessories. With a long track record of success, a reputation for superior products, and long-standing customer relationships, the Company represents a compelling platform for growth.

Headquartered in the Midwest, our client sells directly into the trucking industry through a nationwide network of independent dealers. This 80-year-old business has succeeded through a dedicated workforce and a commitment to support its customers and employees.

The Company has built a high performing, collaborative leadership team to implement change, and position the Company for transformative growth and expansion into new products and new markets.

Position Summary

The CEO will oversee all strategic and business aspects of the company. Reporting to the Executive Chairman, the President and CEO will have full P&L responsibility for the Company, and be responsible for giving the strategic direction, as well as creating a vision for success.

The CEO must be a visionary, prudent manager and an inspiring leader. The CEO will have a strategic business mindset and will be able to see the “big picture” in a multitude of ever-changing scenarios. The CEO will partner with business leaders to combine data-driven insights and market focus, with skillful process-building and agile roadmap execution. The CEO will foster a collaborative culture to establish ownership, prioritization, execution, and accountability.

Opportunity

There is an equity component included in the compensation package for the successful CEO.

Critical Tasks

• Further strengthen and develop the management team.
• Improve the effectiveness and productivity of the Sales channels.
• Drive for more efficient manufacturing and inventory management and execution
• Expand the Company’s footprint into new markets.
• Continue to build the Aero brand.
• Strengthen the relationship with key partners and selectively acquire additional partners that could be a fit for the Company.
• Work closely with Operations and Finance to ensure a fully optimized P&L and robust EBITDA margins.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong visionary leadership to ensure the company executes its mission and has the desired growth trajectory.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team and Executive Chairman to create and execute a multi-year strategic plan, through a collaborative approach that considers all ideas and includes multiple stakeholders
• Manage and closely collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to deliver on organizational goals
• Select, lead, motivate, develop, and coach all executive-level leaders to create a high performing managerial team.
• Develop high quality business strategies and plans ensuring their alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
• Coach and motivate the Company management team to advance employee engagement.
• Oversee all operations and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy and mission.
• Make high-quality investment decisions to advance the business and increase profits.
• Enforce adherence to legal guidelines and in-house policies to maintain the company’s legality and business ethics.
• Review financial and non-financial reports to identify solutions for improvements.
• Build trust and relations with key partners and stakeholders, and act as a point of contact for important shareholders.
• Analyze problematic situations and provide solutions to ensure Company success and growth.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of the Company’s markets, customers, competitors, and overall industry trends.
• Drive new strategic choices around new locations, market position, partnerships, M&A, and other opportunities to scale the impact of the company.
• Foster new ideas and initiatives; apply innovative thinking and performance measurements to analyze and support strategic decision-making.
• Analyze and prepare recommendations for budgets, and effectively allocate limited resources.
• Provide general oversight of specific programs, services, and activities which support the goals and objectives of the organization.
• With the Executive Chairman, represent the Company at conferences, events, and serve as lead spokesperson for all media relations.
• Set internal organizational structure, manage the team towards meeting annual objectives, and maintain a high level of staff retention and morale.

Skill Requirements

• 15+ years of proven experience as business unit leader or other senior managerial position.
• Significant metal manufacturing experience.
• Experience developing profitable strategies and implementing vision.
• Experience leading a business through periods of dynamic changes, challenges, and transformation.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
• Familiarity with diverse business functions such as marketing, operations, engineering, finance, HR, sales, etc.
• Ability to tailor strategy, tactics and scalable processes to address shifting market opportunities.
• History with successful management of a dynamic, multi-unit organization, and how to maximize effectiveness.
• Ability to train, develop and manage executive teams.
• Experience leveraging technology to improve organizational processes.
• Ability to interpret complex materials, assemble and analyze information, and prepare written reports and records in a clear, concise manner.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practices.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, with outstanding organizational and leadership skills.
• Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• MS/MA in business administration or relevant field.
• Ability to travel as needed.