Portfolio CEO: Industrial Supply Sales & Distribution

American Operator•Wilmington, DE

12d•$140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

American Operator is looking to add a Portfolio CEO to lead an industrial supply sales & distribution company. As the Portfolio CEO, you position yourself to lead an established small business where strong operational leadership is needed most. You’ll run the business with full accountability, driving performance, developing the team, and ensuring stability during and after the handoff. Throughout the journey, American Operator provides leadership transition support, strategic guidance, and a network of peers so you can focus on delivering results and building a long-term path toward eventual ownership. This role is best suited for business leaders with proficiency in managing sales organizations. This role is in the greater Wilmington DE Metro Area. Is This You? Are you a proven business leader who’s ready to build a business for yourself? Do you want to lead an entire business end-to-end instead of managing one slice of it? Have you dreamed of running your own business but haven’t had the idea or chance? Do you care deeply about people, service, and building organizations that last? Do you know the ins and outs of what it takes to operate an industrial supply company? Would you relocate for the right long-term opportunity to build your future?

Requirements

5+ years of operational leadership experience working in business supplies distribution.
3+ years of hiring/firing authority.
3+ years of responsibility over P&L or company budgets.
Proven success building and managing a high-performing sales team.
Small business leadership experience. (Less than 50 employees)
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term approach to business building.

Nice To Haves

Preference for experience selling industrial chemical supplies.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations and own 100% of the company’s P&L.
Manage and develop the existing team to achieve strong execution and accountability.
Oversee customer relationships, quality control, and job profitability.
Maintain vendor and supplier relationships.
Analyze operational data to make informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and capital allocation.
Create and execute annual budgets, forecasts, and growth plans.
Partner with American Operator and key stakeholders to drive the company’s next stage of success.
Build credibility with the existing team, customers, and owner during the transition period.
Maintain operational discipline and uphold the company’s legacy and reputation.
Deliver measurable improvement in revenue, profitability, and cash flow.
Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Take full ownership of business performance and culture.
Champion the culture and legacy of the business.
Demonstrate leadership grounded in accountability, humility, and sound judgment.