About the position
The United States is entering a manufacturing renaissance. Driven by reshoring, defense spending, AI infrastructure, semiconductors, data centers, and "Made in America" initiatives, demand for high-quality domestic manufacturing has never been stronger. Yet thousands of metal fabrication and machining businesses remain small, underinvested, and owned by founders approaching retirement, creating one of the largest succession opportunities in American manufacturing. At Metal Solutions Holdings, we're building something different. We're acquiring exceptional fabrication and machining companies throughout California and transforming them into a modern, technology-enabled manufacturing platform. Rather than replacing great operators, we provide them with the tools they never had: Modern ERP, CRM, and AI-enabled quoting, Real-time KPI dashboards and analytics, Centralized sales, engineering, quality, HR, and supply chain support, AS9100, ISO, and ITAR capabilities, Capital to invest in people, equipment, and growth, A proven acquisition and integration playbook. Our vision is simple: Preserve great manufacturing companies. Modernize them through technology. Scale them through acquisitions. Build the industry's best operator—not just its biggest.
Responsibilities
• Advise portfolio company CEOs and General Managers
• Mentor management teams and future leaders
• Evaluate acquisition opportunities and perform operational diligence
• Develop 100-day integration plans for newly acquired businesses
• Improve operational performance, EBITDA, quality, throughput, and customer experience
• Help deploy technology, KPIs, automation, and AI across our companies
• Recruit executive talent and strengthen leadership teams
• Serve as Interim CEO or permanent CEO of portfolio companies when required
Requirements
• 20+ years building manufacturing businesses
• Experience as CEO, President, COO, General Manager, or VP of Operations
• Understanding of metal fabrication, CNC machining, welding, precision manufacturing, job shops, contract manufacturing
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing
• Familiarity with quality systems (AS9100, ISO, ITAR preferred)
• Experience running manufacturing companies
Nice-to-haves
• Recently retired
• Semi-retired
• Between executive roles
• Enjoy coaching leaders as much as solving operational problems
• Can move comfortably between the boardroom and the shop floor
• Love manufacturing
Benefits
• Equity participation in Metal Solutions Holdings
• Advisory compensation arrangements
• Performance-based incentives
• Potential transition into a larger executive leadership role as the platform grows