Insight on the Middle Market Industrial Sector

With decades of industrial executive search experience, we have become highly attuned to the market. Below is our assessment of the industrial sector.

2017: A Summary

A Candidate Driven Market

In the majority of our searches, candidates we presented to our clients were juggling multiple opportunities, resulting in the need to act both thoroughly and quickly in the evaluation of talent.

A Thriving Industrial Sector

All across the Industrial sector, organizations are experiencing more business opportunities, indicating the strength and continued growth of the industry.

A Focus on Operations

An increased demand for products leads to an increased need for operational improvement. Focusing on operational hires helps accommodate increased revenue, manufacture new products, and create best practices for future growth.

2018: Looking Ahead

A Focus on CFOs

The need for strategic financial leaders continues to grow in the middle market industrial sector. Attracting leaders from larger organizations will be a focus, driven by a demand for better financial metrics, systems, and processes.

A Shrinking Labor Market

Aging Baby Boomers, strengthening investment performance, and a fast-growing demographic of part-time executives is leading to a shrinking pool of executive talent.

An Emphasis on Best Practices

In order to compete and prosper, there is a strong need to identify talent that can bring best practices while adhering to the middle market culture. Fit continues to drive successful searches.

Successful Searches in the Middle Market Industrial Sector

• Chief Executive Officer for a $110M manufacturer of HVAC systems for the heavy vehicle industry
• Vice President, Operations for a $860M global industrial gas production and storage equipment manufacturer
• President and Vice President, Sales for a $160M air and gas compressor manufacturer
• Group President (Retail Solutions) for a $500M metal hardware manufacturer
• Chief Financial Officer for a $25M current-carrying wiring device manufacturing
• President for a $90M pump module and systems manufacturer
• President for $100M material processing technologies company
• Vice President of Sales for a $65M processor of specialty metals
• Vice President of Sales & Marketing for a $10M transmission equipment manufacturer
• Vice President and General Manager, and Vice President of Operations for a $400M electronic connector manufacturer
• Vice President Engineering for a $230M commercial plumbing systems manufacturer
• Chief Executive Officer for a $30M industrial coatings company
• Vice President Operations for a $100M leading manufacturer and marketer of compaction and road building equipment
• Chief Marketing Officer for a $700M manufacturer and distributer of water treatment products and bottled water
• Vice President and General Manager for a $125M global technology solutions provider
• Marketing Leader for a $2B manufacturer of recreation vehicles
• Vice President Operations for a $1B industrial refrigerator and freezer manufacturer