Portfolio CEO Program: Distribution

American Operator

1d•Remote

About The Position

American Operator's Portfolio CEO Program places experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life's work placed in capable, values-driven hands. The mission is to ensure great businesses stay local, stay strong, and stay in the hands of leaders who care. Operators who partner with American Operator step into the CEO role of an established company and receive the support, coaching, and community needed to grow it for the next generation. Over time, they follow a clear pathway toward becoming a significant equity owner if growth targets are met. By joining this program, you position yourself for future CEO opportunities in an established distribution business. If selected, you'll have the opportunity to be placed into an active acquisition as CEO. From there, you'll be provided information on the business, align on priorities, and prepare for a successful leadership transition post acquisition. As Portfolio CEO, you will run the business with full accountability, including driving revenue, managing the field and office teams, and ensuring stability during and after the ownership 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 ownership.

Requirements

10+ years of operational and/or commercial leadership experience in distribution, wholesale, or supply chain (value-add or specialty distribution preferred).
5+ years of hiring and firing authority over cross-functional teams including sales, operations, or warehouse personnel.
5+ years of direct P&L responsibility and/or ownership of company budgets.
Demonstrated success managing a distribution or wholesale business with fewer than 100 employees.
Strong command of inventory management, purchasing, and margin optimization.
Proven track record of growing and retaining a B2B customer base.
Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing or terms.
Excellent communication, relationship management, and team leadership skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term approach to business building.
Must be willing to regionally relocate (5-state area).

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day operations across purchasing, warehousing, fulfillment, and sales with full P&L ownership.
Manage and develop the team — inside sales, warehouse, and operations staff — to achieve strong execution and accountability.
Own customer relationships across the account base and drive retention and growth.
Manage supplier and vendor relationships, pricing negotiations, and inventory positioning.
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.
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.
Analyze operational data to make informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and capital allocation.
Take full ownership of business performance and culture.
Demonstrate leadership grounded in accountability, humility, and sound judgment.
Ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused distribution operations.