Chief Executive Officer - Aerospace

FOUND; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Texas is seeking a CEO with strong operational skills to lead a turnaround at a critical inflection point. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the business, stabilize leadership, and drive growth through operational execution and integration of an acquired company. This role requires extensive experience in manufacturing, B2B sales, and P&L management. Ideal candidates will be decisive leaders capable of motivating teams through change and navigating complex environments.

Qualifications

• CEO/GM/President experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Proven track record of turning around underperforming environments.
• Experience managing P&L in the $4M - 40M+ range.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership and stabilize leadership.
• Transition the company into a performance-driven environment.
• Lead integration of an acquired business.

Skills

B2B sales understanding

P&L management experience

Aerospace and sheet metal experience

Change management

Execution-focused leadership

Job description

We are an established manufacturing business serving highly regulated, mission-critical industries. The company has a long-standing reputation, strong customer relationships, and a solid operational foundation. The business is at a pivotal inflection point:

• ~$11M in sales
• Undergoing leadership transition
• Executing on a ~$10M acquisition
• Positioned for consolidation and eventual exit

About the Role

This is a turnaround + build + integration CEO role. We are seeking a hands-on operator to take full ownership of the business, stabilize leadership, and drive the next phase of growth. The current structure is no longer sustainable, and this role requires someone who can step in immediately, bring clarity, and execute. This is not a passive leadership role — this is a fix, build, and scale mandate.

Responsibilities

• Step in as the clear operator and decision-maker
• Rebuild internal alignment, accountability, and culture
• Transition the business into a performance-driven environment
• Implement a structured and repeatable sales process
• Strengthen existing customer relationships and expand revenue
• Build pipeline visibility and forecasting discipline
• Operational Execution
• Improve throughput, margins, and delivery predictability
• Balance scrappy execution with scalable systems
• M&A Integration (Immediate Priority)
• Lead integration of an acquired ~10M business
• Align teams, operations, and go-to-market strategy
• Identify and execute on synergies
• Exit Preparation
• Build a scalable, attractive business for future sale
• Improve financial visibility and operational rigor
• Position the company for a successful exit

Qualifications

• Required CEO / GM / President experience within manufacturing or industrial businesses
• Proven track record of stepping into underperforming or complex environments and stabilizing them
• Strong understanding of B2B sales within a manufacturing context
• Experience managing P&L in the $4M - 40M+ range
• Hands-on, execution-focused leadership style
• Must have aerospace and sheet metal experience

Required Skills

• Core Traits
• Scrappy: Comfortable operating in imperfect environments
• Operator: Executes quickly and effectively
• People Leader: Can align and motivate teams through change
• Integrator: Experienced in merging teams and systems post-acquisition
• Decisive: Makes clear, timely decisions

Preferred Skills

• Experience in regulated or precision manufacturing environments
• Background in acquisitions, roll-ups, or integrations
• Exposure to private equity-backed companies
• Experience leading a company through an exit

Pay range and compensation package

Full ownership to transform and lead the business. Immediate impact at a critical inflection point. Opportunity to build and scale toward an exit. Backing from ownership ready for change.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.