Chief Executive Officer

Pinnacle Search; United States; On-site; USD 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Search represents a PE-backed, mid-market packaging manufacturer seeking a decisive Chief Executive Officer to lead growth, accountability, and an orderly ownership transition.

The role demands hands-on leadership, strong R&D and M&A integration capabilities, and a proven track record in packaging, with a significant on-site and travel footprint.

Qualifications

• Exit readiness and PE experience: track record preparing a business for sale and driving growth.
• Cross-functional execution: break down silos and drive accountability across functions like R&D and M&A integration.
• Commercial leadership: proven ability to build a commercial engine, diversify customer base and drive revenue growth.
• Packaging industry expertise: deep knowledge of packaging markets and growth opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Board to build a quantified growth narrative for a future sale process.
• Establish a culture of ownership and cross-functional accountability across the leadership team.
• Accelerate R&D and product development pace, translating capability into new revenue.
• Lead evaluation of M&A opportunities and drive hands-on post-close integration.
• Assess and strengthen the commercial organization to execute an aggressive growth plan.
• Evaluate and execute go-to-market strategy to diversify into adjacent end markets.
• Personally engage with top customers to grow key relationships.

Skills

Exit Readiness & PE Experience

Cross-Functional Execution

Commercial Leadership

Packaging Industry Expertise

Job description

Chief Executive Officer | PE-Backed Packaging Manufacturer

Location:

75% travel/on-site requirement

Reports to:

Board of Directors

The Opportunity

Our client is a mid-market packaging manufacturer with a strong reputation for manufacturing reliability and product performance. Backed by private equity, the company is entering an accelerated growth phase ahead of a planned ownership transition. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will lead the company's value creation plan - driving commercial growth, strengthening accountability and cross-functional execution, and preparing the business for a future sale process.

This is a hands-on operating mandate for a decisive, execution-oriented leader who thrives where speed, execution, and results matter.

What We're Looking For

• Exit Readiness & PE Experience - A track record preparing a business for sale: building a credible, quantified growth story, anticipating diligence questions, and prioritizing what matters most ahead of an exit. PE-backed operating experience required.
• Cross-Functional Execution - Proven ability to break down silos and build accountability, particularly around R&D and M&A integration.
• Commercial Leadership - Hands-on experience building a commercial engine: diversifying the customer base, winning new business, and installing a data-driven sales operating cadence.
• Packaging Industry Expertise - Deep, firsthand knowledge of the packaging industry and where real category growth exists

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Board to build a quantified growth narrative for a future sale process
• Establish a culture of ownership and cross-functional accountability across the leadership team
• Accelerate R&D and product development pace, translating capability into new revenue
• Lead evaluation of M&A opportunities and drive hands-on post-close integration
• Assess and strengthen the commercial organization to execute an aggressive growth plan
• Evaluate and execute go-to-market strategy to diversify into adjacent end markets
• Personally engage with top customers to grow key relationships

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive management experience, including prior experience as CEO or President with full P&L ownership
• PE-backed operating experience, with fluency in sponsor reporting, board dynamics, and driving growth in a leveraged environment
• Prior exit or comparable M&A, restructuring, or integration experience
• Industry experience in packaging required
• Proven, hands-on commercial leadership with experience setting go-to-market strategy and driving revenue growth
• Track record leading or closely partnering on M&A integration
• Strong executive presence and credibility with a Board, private equity sponsor, and prospective acquirers
• Willingness to maintain a significant on-site and travel presence