CEO - DoD Industry

Our client is a specialized government contracting firm providing advanced training, expeditionary logistics, and operational support services to Special Operations Forces (SOF), Special Mission Units (SMUs), and the civilian government Intelligence Community (IC).

The Opportunity

As the incoming CEO, you will take over from the founder to lead the company into its next phase of aggressive growth and operational excellence. You will be responsible for setting and executing a vision that drives scalable growth, deepens relationships with key stakeholders, and positions the company as a leading platform in its specialized niche. This is an exceptional opportunity for a driven professional to make your mark on a business with proven potential.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a vision to transform the company into a scalable, operationally excellent platform
• Build on the company's established reputation to expand its presence across the Department of Defense
• Drive both organic growth (contract expansion) and inorganic growth through acquisitions
• Cultivate strong relationships with key government stakeholders

Operational Excellence and Scalability

• Implement best-in-class processes and workflows to optimize efficiency
• Source and integrate advanced IT systems to enhance operations
• Establish performance metrics and accountability frameworks
• Build a scalable infrastructure capable of supporting rapid growth

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

• Identify, evaluate, and integrate acquisition targets that complement strategic goals
• Create repeatable processes for due diligence, integration, and synergy realization

Growth & Business Development

• Lead proposal development and submission to capture new contracts
• Identify new opportunities within and beyond current market focus
• Position the company as a leader in specialized training and operational support
• Strengthen the company's reputation as a mission-focused, innovative partner

Experience

• Leadership experience in government contracting or adjacent industry
• Track record of driving organizational growth and operational excellence
• Understanding of government contracting, including DoD requirements and procurement processes
• Experience with proposal development and government BD processes
• Active security clearance highly preferred
• Experience with intelligence/espionage training programs and/or operational support a plus

Skills and Attributes

• Entrepreneurial, hungry and driven to scale a business
• Strong operational and process improvement capabilities
• Exceptional relationship-building skills within government and defense sectors
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment (2-3 days in office weekly)
• Results-oriented with a focus on execution and accountability
• Strong financial acumen and P&L management experience

• Negotiable Salary (Approximately $150k - $250k)
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Growth Opportunity for someone looking to step into a CEO role
• Be part of a growing company that is currently 10x the business

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.