Job Description

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

📍 Midwest | Privately Owned Manufacturing Company

We are partnering with a long-established, privately owned Midwest-based designer and manufacturer serving transportation OEMs to identify a Chief Executive Officer to lead the company through a critical phase of operational and financial transformation.

The company is recognized for combining engineering rigor, ergonomic design, and durable materials to deliver safe, high-quality, and aesthetically compelling interior solutions. Its culture values innovation, proactive leadership, close OEM collaboration, and disciplined execution.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected industry player through a full business turnaround and position the organization for long-term, profitable growth.

🔹 The Opportunity

The CEO will partner closely with an engaged, newly formed ownership group and the Board of Directors to restore performance, rebuild trust, and drive consistent operational execution. The role requires a hands-on, visible leader who can deliver near-term improvements while building a sustainable, performance-driven organization grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability.

This position reports to the Board of Directors and has five direct reports .

🔹 Key Responsibilities

• Set and communicate a clear long-term vision, strategic roadmap, and annual operating objectives
• Own full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and capital allocation
• Lead a comprehensive operational turnaround, stabilizing manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and on-time delivery
• Drive cash flow and working capital improvement through disciplined inventory and supplier management
• Oversee operations, manufacturing, and supply chain with a strong focus on lean practices and continuous improvement
• Support the consolidation of two production facilities into one existing facility
• Build constructive, transparent relationships with union leadership and lead labor relations in partnership with HR
• Champion innovation by aligning engineering, product development, and marketing around customer insights
• Drive profitable revenue growth through core product expansion, new product introductions, and adjacent markets
• Build and maintain strong relationships with OEM customers, including involvement in strategic sales and major negotiations
• Provide transparent, data-driven reporting to the Board, including KPIs, performance reviews, and risk assessments
• Serve as a credible external ambassador with customers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders

🔹 Leadership & Culture

• Build, strengthen, and lead a high-performing executive team, with particular focus on Finance and Operations
• Act as a visible, hands-on, player-coach leader with strong shop-floor presence
• Foster a purpose-driven, safety-first culture aligned around quality, delivery, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Break down silos and drive cross-functional collaboration across operations, engineering, sales, and finance
• Lead change management initiatives related to systems, processes, footprint optimization, and organizational structure

🔹 The Ideal Candidate

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing; industrial manufacturing strongly preferred
• Proven success in a senior P&L role (CEO, President, GM, or divisional leader)
• Demonstrated turnaround or transformation leadership experience
• Strong background in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing and job shop environments
• Direct experience leading unionized manufacturing organizations
• Deep knowledge of lean manufacturing, supply chain management, and operational improvement
• Strong commercial acumen, including OEM relationships and complex contract negotiations
• Hands-on, high-integrity leader with excellent communication and relationship-building skills

🔹 Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, operations management, or related field required
• MBA or other advanced degree strongly preferred (or equivalent executive experience)

If you are a hands-on manufacturing executive with a passion for operational excellence, people leadership, and value creation, we welcome a confidential conversation.

Search conducted by Harvey Hohauser & Associates, a boutique retained executive recruiting firm. We partner with clients exclusively to find ideal candidates. We are experts in placing strategic, adaptive, and culturally aligned executives. Founded 35+ years ago and located in the metropolitan Detroit area, HH&A is a member of AESC.

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