Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Private Equity-Backed Manufacturing & Consumer Products Business

Presented by BCT Staffing

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Compensation: $250,000–$300,000+ Base Salary, Performance Bonus & Potential Equity Participation
Industry: Specialty Manufacturing / Pet Products

Company Overview

BCT Staffing has been retained to identify a Chief Executive Officer for a private equity-backed manufacturer and distributor of specialty products serving the reptile and pet care industry.

The company generates approximately $10 million in annual revenue, employs 40–45 individuals, and distributes products through e-commerce platforms and major retailers, including Petco and Chewy.

With an established market presence and strong financial infrastructure, the business is positioned for its next phase of growth. Ownership is seeking a dynamic, hands-on CEO to lead operational improvements, expand distribution, accelerate revenue growth, and build enterprise value over a five-year investment horizon.

Position Overview

The CEO will have full responsibility for the company's strategic direction, operations, commercial performance, and financial results.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial operator with a strong background in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), specialty manufacturing, or related industries. Experience in bakery, food production, or other manufacturing environments with similar production and distribution dynamics would be particularly relevant.

This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys being directly involved in the business, working closely with employees, customers, and ownership to execute a disciplined growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Manufacturing

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including manufacturing, production, supply chain, inventory, and distribution.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity, margins, and quality control.
• Establish scalable processes and operating disciplines to support significant business growth.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence throughout the organization.

Strategic Growth & Commercial Development

• Develop and execute a five-year strategic growth plan in partnership with the private equity sponsor.
• Expand relationships with national retailers, distributors, and e-commerce platforms.
• Identify opportunities for new products, additional distribution channels, and market expansion.
• Drive profitable revenue growth while maintaining strong operational performance.

Financial & Organizational Leadership

• Assume full P&L accountability, including revenue growth, profitability, working capital, and cash flow.
• Partner with the existing finance team to strengthen financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team while maintaining an entrepreneurial culture.
• Establish meaningful KPIs and accountability across all business functions.

Private Equity Partnership

• Work closely with the private equity sponsor to establish and execute value-creation initiatives.
• Provide transparent reporting and strategic recommendations to ownership.
• Position the company for a successful future liquidity event through sustainable growth and improved operational performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience as a CEO, President, COO, General Manager, or senior operating executive with significant P&L responsibility.
• Strong manufacturing background, preferably in food production, bakery, CPG, pet products, or related industries.
• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing operations, profitability, and organizational performance.
• Experience growing a smaller or middle-market business in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Understanding of retail distribution, e-commerce, and customer relationships.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining deeply involved in daily execution.
• Strong financial acumen and experience partnering with ownership or investors.
• Prior private equity portfolio company experience preferred but not required.
• Willingness to work on-site in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to lead and scale an established specialty manufacturing business with the support of a private equity sponsor.

The successful candidate will have meaningful autonomy, direct influence over the company's growth trajectory, and the opportunity to participate in long-term enterprise value creation.

Compensation: Competitive base salary of $250,000–$300,000+, with performance-based incentives and potential equity participation, subject to final agreement.

BCT Staffing | Executive Search & Leadership Solutions