Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

hireneXus; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives to lead transformative projects and operational improvements. This role involves close collaboration with the CEO and significant influence across the organization. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in corporate strategy and operational leadership, preferably within a private equity-backed environment. With a focus on M&A integration and strategic growth, this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly expanding company while working in a dynamic and collaborative culture. Frequent travel to Nashville is expected, making this role both exciting and impactful.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in corporate strategy and operational leadership.
• Experience in private equity-backed environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance operational integration.
• Oversee M&A integration efforts and drive business performance.

Skills

Corporate Strategy

Operational Leadership

Project Management

Financial Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

M&A Integration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA or Relevant Advanced Degree

Job description

Join to apply for the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives role at hireneXus.

A private equity-backed, rapidly expanding consumer labeling and packaging company is seeking a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. With operations across nearly 30 plants nationwide and industry leadership in labeling solutions for major brands, craft producers, and direct-to-consumer channels, the business has achieved substantial M&A-driven growth. As the company enters its next phase under new leadership, this executive will work closely with the CEO to drive high-impact strategic, operational, and integration initiatives across the platform.

This position reports directly to the CEO and offers significant visibility and influence across the entire organization.

Geography

While relocation is not required, and other executives work remotely, frequent travel to Nashville is expected. Candidates should be willing to integrate into a strong and active company culture based there.

Responsibilities

1. Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives to accelerate growth and enhance operational integration across a highly fragmented, rapidly consolidating industry.
2. Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, helping to drive transformational projects aligned to long-term vision and short-term execution.
3. Oversee large-scale M&A integration efforts, ensuring acquired businesses are successfully absorbed operationally, commercially, and culturally.
4. Develop, lead, and track key initiatives including plant-level operational improvements, go-to-market strategies, and KPI reporting to drive business performance.
5. Build project workplans, establish governance and steering committee structures, and manage cross-functional project teams.
6. Identify operational and commercial improvement opportunities across the company’s diverse product and market segments.
7. Maintain a close working relationship with finance, operations, and sales leadership, helping bridge gaps between strategy and execution.
8. Support the company’s continued M&A pipeline, providing pre- and post-close leadership across diligence, planning, and execution.
9. Bring a steady, senior presence to the executive team, capable of managing through complex organizational challenges with confidence and minimal oversight.

Qualifications

1. 10+ years of experience in corporate strategy, operational leadership, and ideally top-tier consulting. Exposure to manufacturing or industrial companies is preferred but not required.
2. Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or relevant advanced degree highly preferred.
3. Experience leading transformational initiatives in a private equity-backed or similarly fast-paced environment.
4. Exposure to M&A transactions, post-merger integration, and operational excellence programs.
5. Ability to work with and influence CFO-style leaders who are highly analytical and detail-oriented.
6. Proven track record of working independently with executive stakeholders to deliver high-impact results.
7. Strong financial, analytical, and project management skills.
8. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and collaboration across all levels of the organization.
9. High flexibility, resilience, and willingness to travel regularly to Nashville and other operational sites.