Chief Executive Officer

Forge Search; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Forge Search is partnering with a private-equity-backed specialty manufacturer to recruit a hands-on Chief Executive Officer who will drive operational excellence, accelerate profitable growth, and build a leadership team to execute the company’s next phase.

The CEO will have full P&L responsibility and will work closely with the Board and ownership group to establish clear priorities, make disciplined decisions, and deliver measurable results.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior executive leadership with full P&L responsibility in manufacturing.
• Track record of improving operations and financial performance while driving profitable growth.
• Experience working with private equity sponsors, an active Board, or institutional ownership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a value-creation plan with clear priorities, milestones, and measures of success.
• Lead manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer service.
• Improve working capital, supply-chain performance, and capital discipline.

Skills

P&L leadership

Board interaction

Manufacturing leadership

Private equity experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Business

Job description

Forge Search is partnering with a private-equity-backed specialty manufacturing company to recruit a hands‑on Chief Executive Officer. This leader will strengthen operational and financial performance, accelerate profitable growth, and build a leadership team equipped to execute the company’s next phase.

The CEO will have full P&L responsibility and work closely with the Board and ownership group to establish clear priorities, make disciplined decisions, and deliver measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a value‑creation plan with clear priorities, milestones, and measures of success.
• Lead manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer service.
• Improve operational reliability, inventory management, working capital, supply‑chain performance, and capital discipline.
• Establish a consistent operating rhythm built on meaningful metrics, problem solving, and accountability.
• Develop a focused commercial strategy that strengthens customer relationships, pricing, margins, and the sales pipeline.
• Identify profitable growth opportunities through product innovation, application development, and market expansion.
• Ensure commercial commitments align with operational capacity, technical requirements, and financial returns.
• Assess and develop the leadership team, strengthen succession depth, and foster a culture of ownership and follow‑through.
• Maintain strong forecasting, cash management, financial controls, and risk management practices.
• Communicate openly with the Board and ownership group about performance, opportunities, risks, and corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Senior executive leadership experience with full P&L responsibility in a manufacturing business, such as CEO, President, General Manager, or Division Leader.
• Experience in specialty materials, performance materials, technical textiles, coated fabrics, polymers, engineered products, or a closely related industry.
• Demonstrated success improving operations and financial performance while driving profitable growth.
• Experience working with private equity sponsors, an active Board, or institutional ownership.
• Strong command of manufacturing economics, commercial strategy, cash flow, working capital, and capital allocation.
• A track record of building capable leadership teams and establishing clear accountability.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Chemistry, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

This is an opportunity for a leader who is equally comfortable setting strategy, working with customers, and spending time on the manufacturing floor, building team culture and morale!

For immediate and confidential consideration. Relocation assistance to the Augusta-Aiken area is provided.