Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Private Equity–Backed Platform Company

Compensation: $450,000 – $550,000 Base Salary + Performance Bonus + Meaningful Equity Participation

Overview

Our client is a private equity–backed platform company entering a high-growth expansion phase driven by strategic acquisitions and operational scaling. The business has established a strong market position and is now executing an aggressive buy-and-build strategy, with multiple acquisitions completed and additional opportunities actively being evaluated. The company is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the next phase of growth. This leader will partner closely with the private equity sponsor and Board of Directors to execute the investment thesis, drive operational excellence, integrate acquisitions, and scale the organization into a larger, more sophisticated platform. This role requires a hands-on operator and strategic leader who has successfully led private equity–backed companies through rapid growth, M&A integration, and value creation initiatives, ultimately positioning the company for a successful exit.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for leading the organization through a period of accelerated expansion, overseeing all aspects of strategy, operations, financial performance, and organizational development. The CEO will serve as the primary liaison with the private equity sponsor and Board, ensuring alignment around strategic priorities, capital deployment, acquisition strategy, and long-term value creation. A key focus of the role will be identifying, executing, and integrating acquisitions, while simultaneously strengthening operational infrastructure, leadership capabilities, and financial discipline across the platform.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Value Creation

• Partner with the private equity sponsor and Board of Directors to execute the investment thesis and long-term growth strategy.
• Lead the company through its next phase of expansion, including organic growth initiatives and acquisition-driven scale.
• Establish clear strategic priorities, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive accountability and measurable results.

M&A Strategy and Integration

• Lead acquisition sourcing, evaluation, and integration efforts in partnership with the private equity firm.
• Work closely with the Board and deal teams on target identification, due diligence, and transaction execution.
• Ensure successful post-acquisition integration, including operational alignment, cultural integration, and financial performance improvements.

Operational Excellence

• Drive improvements across operations, supply chain, sales, and customer experience to enhance profitability and scalability.
• Implement standardized processes and operating frameworks across newly acquired and legacy business units.
• Develop systems and infrastructure capable of supporting a multi-entity, multi-location platform.

Financial Performance

• Partner closely with the CFO and finance team to deliver strong financial performance and transparent reporting.
• Establish rigorous forecasting, budgeting, and performance management processes.
• Maintain strong focus on EBITDA growth, margin improvement, and cash flow optimization.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and develop a high-performing executive leadership team.
• Recruit and mentor key leaders across finance, operations, sales, technology, and human resources.
• Foster a culture focused on accountability, operational discipline, and long-term value creation.

Board & Investor Communication

• Provide consistent updates and strategic insights to the Board of Directors and private equity sponsors.
• Lead Board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and investor communications.
• Prepare the company for future capital events, including recapitalization or exit.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an experienced private equity–backed operator with a track record of scaling businesses and executing growth strategies through acquisitions.

Required Experience

• Previous experience as CEO, President, or senior executive within a private equity–backed company
• Proven success scaling businesses through M&A and organic growth
• Experience integrating multiple acquisitions into a unified operating platform
• Strong understanding of private equity value creation strategies
• Track record of building high-performing leadership teams

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading companies in services, industrial, distribution, or multi-location operating environments
• Prior experience working with private equity sponsors and Boards
• Experience scaling companies from lower-middle market to larger institutional platforms

Leadership Characteristics

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Execution-focused leadership
• Strong financial and operational discipline
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to build alignment across investors, executives, and employees

Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to lead a rapidly growing private equity–backed platform company during a transformative stage, with the ability to significantly influence strategy, growth trajectory, and long-term enterprise value. The CEO will play a central role in building a scaled platform through acquisition and operational excellence, ultimately positioning the company for a successful liquidity event.