Portfolio CEO Program: Distribution
ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR
American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business leadership and 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 company and receive the support, coaching, and community needed to grow it for the next generation. Over time, they follow a clear pathway toward becoming a significant equity owner if growth targets are met.
IS THIS YOU?
Are you a seasoned distribution or supply chain leader ready to build a business for yourself?
Do you want to run a distribution operation end-to-end instead of managing one function?
Have you dreamed of owning a business but haven't had the capital or the right vehicle?
Do you thrive at the intersection of sales, logistics, and customer service?
Would you relocate for the right long-term opportunity?
THE OPPORTUNITY
By joining our Portfolio CEO Program, you position yourself for future CEO opportunities in an established distribution business. If selected, you'll have the opportunity to be placed into an active acquisition as CEO. From there, you'll be provided information on the business, align on priorities, and prepare for a successful leadership transition post acquisition
As Portfolio CEO, you will run the business with full accountability, including driving revenue, managing the field and office teams, and ensuring stability during and after the ownership 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 ownership.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead day-to-day operations across purchasing, warehousing, fulfillment, and sales with full P&L ownership.
Manage and develop the team — inside sales, warehouse, and operations staff — to achieve strong execution and accountability.
Own customer relationships across the account base and drive retention and growth.
Manage supplier and vendor relationships, pricing negotiations, and inventory positioning.
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.
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.
Analyze operational data to make informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and capital allocation.
Take full ownership of business performance and culture.
Demonstrate leadership grounded in accountability, humility, and sound judgment.
Ensure efficient, compliant, and customer-focused distribution operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of operational and/or commercial leadership experience in distribution, wholesale, or supply chain (value-add or specialty distribution preferred).
5+ years of hiring and firing authority over cross-functional teams including sales, operations, or warehouse personnel.
5+ years of direct P&L responsibility and/or ownership of company budgets.
Demonstrated success managing a distribution or wholesale business with fewer than 100 employees.
Strong command of inventory management, purchasing, and margin optimization.
Proven track record of growing and retaining a B2B customer base.
Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating pricing or terms.
Excellent communication, relationship management, and team leadership skills.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term approach to business building.
Must be willing to regionally relocate (5-state area).
OUR PROCESS
Candidates selected to move forward will complete an online assessment and participate in a series of in-depth interviews designed to evaluate operational leadership, business acumen, and long-term fit.
Upon advancement, candidates will review American Operator's leadership preparation materials to align on our operating philosophy, transition methodology, and expectations for the role.
Accepted candidates are added to our active deal flow and invited to participate in operational due diligence for relevant leadership opportunities. Candidates are not expected to source deals. Our team handles acquisition origination so you can focus on evaluating the right fit.
COMPENSATION
Base salary: $150,000 + bonus, distributions, and equity transfers along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage. Additional compensation, including equity participation amounts, varies based on the portfolio company and deal structure.
*Location Disclaimer: Opportunities to lead an American Operator acquisition business are based in various locations across the U.S. Relocation will be required if you are not within commutable distance of the business. The exact location will be disclosed during the interview process.