Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Industrial Manufacturing Company

Background

The company is a well-established industrial organization with a mid-sized operation (approximately 300 employees), including a significant production workforce alongside headquarters functions such as sales, finance, human resources, and business development. The organization is facing financial challenges and changing market conditions. The short-term priority is to improve cash flow, streamline processes, and lead a significant restructuring process while strengthening operational stability and achieving profitability.

Role Objective

The CEO will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the company, including full organizational restructuring, improvement of financial and operational performance, and guiding the company into its next stage of growth and efficiency. The role involves close collaboration with VPs of Operations, Sales, Finance, and HR, while leading organizational transformation and building a performance- and results-driven culture. The CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board.

Key Challenges

• Improving operations and production: streamlining workflows, reducing waste, and increasing productivity.

• Meeting delivery timelines and improving quality across the value chain.

• Strengthening performance orientation: establishing clear KPIs, enforcing managerial discipline, and implementing continuous performance measurement.

• Improving profitability and growth: leading strategic initiatives to increase revenue, optimize cost structure, and ensure financial stability.

• Managing and leading employees and managers: building a performance-driven organizational culture, motivation, and commitment to change.

• Cross-functional alignment: ensuring full synergy between operations, sales, finance, and HR.

Main Responsibilities

• Strategy & Growth - Developing and leading plans to increase profitability, expand business activity, and improve operational and commercial processes.

• Operations Management - Full responsibility for production activities, operational processes, and resource optimization.

• Sales & Market - Oversight of sales and commercial activities, customer relationship management, and ensuring high service levels and delivery commitments.

• Organizational Development & Leadership - Defining responsibilities, developing management layers, and monitoring performance.

• Performance & Resource Management - Coordinating all organizational units to improve efficiency, ensure target achievement, and drive continuous improvement.

Job Requirements

• Proven experience managing manufacturing plants or mid-sized industrial organizations (150-500 employees) in traditional manufacturing industries.

• Experience in restructuring processes, operational efficiency improvements, and organizational turnaround.

• Track record of improving profitability, operations, and sales performance.

• Ability to lead organizational change and implement a performance- and KPI-driven culture.

• Experience managing large teams and senior managers.

• Strong strategic and managerial capabilities, including execution of growth plans.

• Experience working with a Board of Directors and a collaborative leadership style.

• Strong understanding and experience in sales systems and business development.