Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Henrietta (Rochester), NY | On-site with regional travel (Western & Central NY)

JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with a leading lumber wholesaler in the search for its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization through its next phase of growth, operational excellence, and market expansion.

Position Description/Overview:

Our client is a shareholder-owned lumber and building materials supplier serving Western and Central New York. Headquartered in Henrietta (Rochester), the organization operates with a lean team (under 30 FTEs) and a committed Board of Directors focused on profitable growth and shareholder value.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the senior leader responsible for overall performance—commercial growth, purchasing and pricing strategy, operational execution, financial stewardship, and talent leadership. This is a hands-on, visible role that requires strong relationship-building skills and a high level of personal presence in the market and with shareholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the organization’s day-to-day operations and overall business performance across locations.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set direction, execute strategy, and provide clear, timely reporting(board meets regularly throughout the year).
• Drive profitable revenue growth by strengthening the shareholder and customer base and expandingengagement with non-shareholder purchasers.
• Oversee purchasing, pricing, and vendor relationships; negotiate terms and manage commodity/market dynamics to protect margins and service levels.
• Lead operational excellence across warehouse, logistics, inventory, safety, and customer service—standardizing processes while preserving the company’s strengths.
• Build, coach, and align the leadership team (including finance and operations leaders); clarify roles, set expectations, and ensure accountability.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship including budgeting, forecasting, working capital and cash management, and performance metrics.
• Oversee people practices and compliance (policies/handbook, hiring, performance management) in partnership with internal leadership; develop a high-performing culture.
• Serve as the public-facing leader—representing the company with shareholders, customers, vendors, and the broader community.
• Manage the CEO transition and capture institutional knowledge to ensure continuity.

Requirements

• Senior leadership experience (CEO/GM/COO or similar) with full P&L responsibility in lumber, building materials, construction supply, distribution, or a closely related environment.
• Demonstrated ability to grow revenue and market presence while managing pricing, purchasing, margin, and inventory dynamics.
• Proven capability leading multi-site operations including warehouse/logistics and customer-facing service teams.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills; comfort operating in a commodity-influenced market.
• Experience working with (and reporting to) a Board of Directors; ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and execute against agreed priorities.
• Relationship-first leadership style with the charisma, presence, and EQ to represent the organization and keep stakeholders aligned.
• Hands-on operator who can bring structure, clarify roles, and strengthen processes without disrupting a close-knit culture.
• Strong financial acumen; ability to partner effectively with the Controller/finance lead and drive performance through metrics.
• Willingness to be based on-site in the Rochester/Henrietta area and travel regionally across Western/Central NY as needed (minimal travel).
• Integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment—especially important during a leadership transition.

Salary Range

Target base salary: $180k - $220k

Performance-based incentive/bonus tied to company profitability

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.