Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

xNorth; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

xNorth is seeking an interim Chief Executive Officer to lead a mid-sized Canadian CPG manufacturer through an 18-month stabilization and growth phase. The role requires full P&L responsibility, rapid assessment of operations, and decisive strategic execution across functions.

The ideal candidate will unite teams, set priorities, and drive profitability while maintaining entrepreneurial focus and customer orientation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as CEO, General Manager, or COO within CPG or manufacturing environments.
• Bilingual (English/French) is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Assess the organization’s current performance and establish a clear action plan aligned with strategic priorities.
• Lead and mobilize the management team around short-term objectives and long-term vision.
• Strengthen governance, operational discipline, and accountability across all functions.
• Drive commercial performance, cost management, and profitability improvement.
• Ensure strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and financial partners.
• Prepare and support potential organizational or leadership transitions.
• Report regularly to the Board on progress, risks, and milestones achieved.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Bilingual English/French

Job description

Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)

Location: Toronto or Montreal

Duration: 18 months

Context

Our client is a mid-sized Canadian CPG manufacturer entering a decisive phase of its development. The company is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Interim Chief Executive Officer to provide clear direction, reinforce leadership across functions, and drive operational and financial performance.

This mandate requires a senior executive capable of quickly assessing the situation, setting priorities, and ensuring disciplined execution while preserving the organization’s entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus.

Mission

The Interim CEO will assume full P&L responsibility and lead the company through a phase of stabilization and renewed growth. Working closely with the Board and leadership team, they will realign operations, rebuild cohesion, and secure business continuity while preparing the company for its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the organization’s current performance and establish a clear action plan aligned with strategic priorities.
• Lead and mobilize the management team around short‑term objectives and long‑term vision.
• Strengthen governance, operational discipline, and accountability across all functions.
• Drive commercial performance, cost management, and profitability improvement.
• Ensure strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and financial partners.
• Prepare and support potential organizational or leadership transitions.
• Report regularly to the Board on progress, risks, and milestones achieved.

Profile

• Proven experience as CEO, General Manager, or COO within CPG or manufacturing environments.
• Strong track record in managing complex organizations, ideally during transformation or growth phases.
• Strategic yet hands‑on leadership style, capable of acting quickly and decisively.
• Demonstrated ability to unite teams, clarify priorities, and deliver measurable impact.
• Financial acumen and operational rigor, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual (English/French) is mandatory.
• Confident, pragmatic, and results‑oriented leader who delivers stability and momentum from day one.