ABOUT AMERICAN OPERATOR
American Operator exists to keep the American Dream alive through small-business ownership. We buy small businesses between $5M-$15M in revenue from retiring owners who want their life's work in the hands of leaders who care. We place in an experienced operator as CEO and over time, our CEOs follow a clear pathway to earn significant equity in the business they lead.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re actively interviewing CEO candidates for current and future acquisition opportunities. While timing varies by market and acquisition activity, selected candidates enter our CEO network and may be matched with opportunities as they become available.
We are looking for experienced operators who have led an industrial chemical manufacturing operation. This is an opportunity to partner with American Operator through the acquisition process, with the goal of stepping into a profitable, established business with a strong reputation, a loyal customer base, and an experienced team already in place. American Operator leads sourcing and due diligence, and the selected candidate will contribute industry insights during that process before stepping into the operating role post-close.
As CEO, you'll assume full responsibility for day-to-day operations and P&L performance. This is not a turnaround situation, it's an opportunity to build on a solid foundation set by the former owners. Your focus will be on developing and retaining a best-in-class sales force, driving customer acquisition and growth, and scaling the business to new products, customer segments and markets.
American Operator will be your partner from day one, providing strategic support, resources, and guidance while empowering you to lead independently. Most importantly, you'll have a clear path to earning significant equity ownership in the business you grow and lead.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Grow the business with a focus on key performance metrics as you lead day-to-day plant operations
Develop and lead the production, quality, and sales team with a culture of high accountability and performance
Oversee production and dispensing processes with discipline on batch quality and size across a large product portfolio
Monitor sales, margin, and performance compared to budget to inform go-to-market strategy and pricing
Manage raw material procurement, plant capacity, and equipment upkeep
Maintain EPA product and facility registration and GHS labeling compliance across the product line
Partner with American Operator on strategy, budgeting, and growth planning
REQUIREMENTS
7+ years of relevant industry experience, with at least 3 years of P&L ownership over a department or entire plant
Experience building high performance teams with accountability for hiring and performance improvement
Track record of leading successful LEAN process integrations into batch manufacturing businesses
Experience growing sales through a distribution network as a manufacturing rep
Direct experience in chemical manufacturing including, formulated products, paints and coatings, lubricants, and other products
Currently located in or a willingness to relocate to one of our target markets (Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, or Pennsylvania)
WHAT SETS YOU APART
A track record of growth leading an outside sales team where you consistently exceeded targets
Stepped in as the new leader after an ownership or leadership transition and earned the trust of the existing production and formulation team
COMPENSATION
Base salary: $130,000–$190,000, plus performance-based bonus opportunities, distributions, and meaningful equity participation beginning at 10% ownership, with the potential to increase based on performance and value creation. Total compensation varies by portfolio company, individual performance, and deal structure, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
LOCATION
Our target acquisition markets include Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Relocation will be required if you are not currently in or near the market of the opportunity.
Ready to lead the next chapter? Before you apply, we encourage you to visit americanoperator.com to learn more about who we are, how we work, and what our operators have to say about the experience. When you are ready, apply today to start the conversation.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of relevant industry experience
- At least 3 years of P&L ownership over a department or entire plant
- Experience building high performance teams with accountability for hiring and performance improvement
- Track record of leading successful LEAN process integrations into batch manufacturing businesses
- Experience growing sales through a distribution network as a manufacturing representative
- Willingness to relocate to or currently located in target markets (Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania)
- Knowledge of maintaining EPA product and facility registration and GHS labeling compliance
- Track record of growth leading an outside sales team and consistently exceeding targets
- Direct experience in chemical manufacturing (formulated products, paints and coatings, lubricants, etc.)
- Experience stepping in after ownership or leadership transition and earning existing team's trust
What We Do
American Operator is reviving the American Dream by transitioning great small businesses to the next generation of local ownership. We acquire each business alongside a talented operator and allow our ownership to be incrementally bought back until the business is majority-owned by that operator.
