Portfolio CEO: Industrial Supply Sales & Distribution
American Operator is looking to add a Portfolio CEO to lead an industrial supply sales & distribution company. As the Portfolio CEO, you position yourself to lead an established small business where strong operational leadership is needed most. You’ll run the business with full accountability, driving performance, developing the team, and ensuring stability during and after the handoff. Throughout the journey, American Operator provides leadership transition support, strategic guidance, and a network of peers so you can focus on delivering results and building a long-term path toward eventual ownership. This role is best suited for business leaders with proficiency in managing sales organizations. This role is in the greater Wilmington DE Metro Area.
Is This You?
Are you a proven business leader who’s ready to build a business for yourself?
Do you want to lead an entire business end-to-end instead of managing one slice of it?
Have you dreamed of running your own business but haven’t had the idea or chance?
Do you care deeply about people, service, and building organizations that last?
Do you know the ins and outs of what it takes to operate an industrial supply company?
Are you a sales professional that excels at building sales organizations and coaching other sales professionals?
Would you relocate for the right long-term opportunity to build your future?
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead day-to-day operations and own 100% of the company’s P&L.
Manage and develop the existing team to achieve strong execution and accountability.
Oversee customer relationships, quality control, and job profitability.
Maintain vendor and supplier relationships.
Analyze operational data to make informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and capital allocation.
Create and execute annual budgets, forecasts, and growth plans.
Partner with American Operator and key stakeholders to drive the company’s next stage of success.
Build credibility with the existing team, customers, and owner during the transition period.
Maintain operational discipline and uphold the company’s legacy and reputation.
Deliver measurable improvement in revenue, profitability, and cash flow.
Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Take full ownership of business performance and culture.
Champion the culture and legacy of the business.
Demonstrate leadership grounded in accountability, humility, and sound judgment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of operational leadership experience working in business supplies distribution.
5+ years of hiring/firing authority.
5+ years of responsibility over P&L or company budgets.
Proven success building and managing a high-performing sales team.
Small business leadership experience. (Less than 50 employees)
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term approach to business building.
Preference for experience selling industrial chemical supplies.
Ready to lead the next chapter?
Apply today to learn more about becoming an American Operator.
Compensation: Base salary starts at $150,000, with benefits provided by the portfolio company, which include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and retirement benefits. The role includes additional compensation, including equity participation; the amount may vary based on the portfolio company and deal structure.
*Location Disclaimer: This opportunity to lead an American Operator acquisition business is located in the greater Wilmington DE metro area and relocation may be required for this role if you are not located in the area. The exact location of this business will be revealed during the interview process.
About American Operator
American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership & ownership. We place experienced operators into businesses of retiring owners who want their life’s work placed in capable, values-driven hands. Our mission is to ensure great businesses stay local, stay strong, and stay in the hands of leaders who care.
Operators who partner with us step into the CEO role of an established Main Street business and receive the support, coaching, and community needed to grow it into the next generation. Over time, they follow a clear pathway with the opportunity to become the next owner - building a future for themselves, their families, and the communities they serve.