Portfolio CEO Program: Manufacturing

American Operator

9d • $150,000

About The Position

American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life's work placed in capable, values-driven hands. Our mission is to ensure great businesses stay local, stay strong, and stay in the hands of leaders who care.
Operators who partner with us 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 our Portfolio CEO Program, you position yourself for future CEO opportunities in an established manufacturing 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 leadership experience in manufacturing
• 5+ years of hiring and firing authority over production and/or cross-functional teams.
• 5+ years of direct P&L responsibility and/or ownership of company budgets.
• Demonstrated success managing a manufacturing operation with fewer than 100 employees.
• Hands-on experience with production planning, scheduling, and quality systems (Lean, ISO, or equivalent experience a plus).
• Proven track record of managing customer relationships in a B2B manufacturing context.
• Strong understanding of cost structure, margin management, and capital expenditure decisions.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and workforce 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 plant and business operations with full P&L ownership.
• Manage and develop the production team, supervisors, and front-office staff to achieve strong execution and accountability.
• Oversee customer relationships, quality control, and order/job profitability.
• Maintain vendor, supplier, and subcontractor relationships.
• 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 safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations.

Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000 + bonus, distributions, and equity transfers along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage.
• Additional compensation, including equity participation amounts, varies based on the portfolio company and deal structure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed