POSITION: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

LOCATION/TRAVEL: Toledo, OH   

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Holding Company

TRAVEL: Up to 15% domestic

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our client is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to join their industrial manufacturing business in the Toledo area! The right candidate will lead the company’s transformation into a standalone, high-growth industrial technology business. They will drive and achieve ambitious growth targets, driving revenue organically while delivering a strong return on invested capital. The CEO will build a scalable commercial engine with strong sales and marketing capabilities while establishing a foundation for sustained operational excellence; they will embed Lean principles across the business. This includes a high-performance culture of Continuous Improvement through effective Strategy Deployment, Daily Management, Problem Solving, and Kaizen process.

We are looking for a high-impact leader that combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. They will bring commercial sharpness, financial discipline, and Lean operating experience to drive scalable growth in a complex, project-based environment.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Growing revenue organically while improving sales process and funnel management to position the team for growth
• Completing a transformation of the end-to-end commercial process, from demand generation and pipeline management to key account development
• Utilizing financial skills and full P&L ownership responsibility to grow EBIT and reduce NWC; executing an efficient transformation, manage cost structures, and deploy targeted, high-growth investments
• Building a high-performing leadership team with clear accountability and focus at the business-unit level while empowering BU leaders to own performance
• Elevating technical execution, product development, and customer responsiveness by strengthening engineering and project management talent within the organization
• Engaging as a hands-on leader who builds trust by staying close to the details while fostering a culture of accountability and ownership
• Leading Lean transformation through implementation of core pillars: Strategy Deployment, Daily Management, and Problem Solving; establishing a Kaizen funnel of opportunities
• Incorporating M&A into future strategic planning process; targeting acquisitions that expand access to more attractive end markets
• Formalizing the M&A process along with parent company, including diligence and integration

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors Degree in relevant field required; Masters or similar preferred
• 10+ years of professional leadership experience in a similar industry (automation), with at least 5 years in a senior executive role and at least 3 years in a mid-sized business unit (<$100< sales)
• Prior P&L ownership experience
• Proven experience in strategic planning, setting clear goals, and guiding teams towards achieving long-term objectives
• Demonstrated success in a commercial transformation through strategy development and execution, with a strong understanding of market dynamics and customer needs
• Demonstrated ability to apply the 80/20 principle in an automation environment
• Experience in a Lean-disciplined business and exposure to Continuous Improvement principles such as Strategy Deployment, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Standard Work, Problem Solving, Kanban, Visual Daily Management, 80/20
• Extensive experience as a results driven leader building and leading high-performing teams, including recruitment, development, and performance management while driving towards a culture of accountability
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis

Lean Focus LLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or protected Veteran status.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

At Lean Focus, we help businesses overcome their biggest challenges by transforming them for the better, and for the long-term. A "who's who" of global leaders in every industry, our clients include some of the world's most respected brands and several members of the Fortune 1000.