The Company
Tarter USA (a.k.a. Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment) is the largest manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America, distributing through 7,000+ dealer stores and OEM partnerships globally. The company was founded in 1945 by C.V. Tarter as the Tarter Gate Company and rebranded to Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment in 2008 to reflect a growing product line, while remaining under family ownership. Today, Tarter USA has grown to offer 1,000+ products, ranging from gates & fences to tractor implements, troughs & fire rings. The company is headquartered in Dunnville, KY with 1,000+ total employees and 1.1M sq ft. of manufacturing space across 6 sites in Kentucky and Utah, generating ~$250M in revenue.
The Role
In 2023, Platinum Equity’s Small Cap Fund partnered with Tarter to invest in the company’s growth and operational excellence, including significant new product introduction activities. Tarter and Platinum are seeking a VP of Transformation (VPT) to partner closely with the Tarter management team to develop and execute a series of value creation initiatives, with a focus on manufacturing, supply chain, and new product introduction. Key priorities include: 1) Ownership of the transformation & PMO playbook, including initiative identification, implementation, and tracking; 2) Manufacturing and supply chain optimization, including production, planning, sourcing, procurement, and logistics; and 3) Translation of new product introduction into manufacturing and supply chain execution. The VPT will track key deliverables and milestones to ensure the successful execution of detailed value creation plans.
Experience & Requirements
• 10-20 years of progressive leadership experience in both consulting and industry environments.
• Expertise in manufacturing and supply chain optimization; broad experience across planning, sourcing/procurement, production, and logistics.
• Experience with relevant manufacturing environments preferred (i.e., steel fabrication, metal bending, welding, painting, or similar).
• Track record of driving transformation initiatives requiring complex and heavy change, with proven results; demonstrated ability to identify and act on critical value levers; thrives in the opportunity to create impact and value.
• Private equity exposure through consulting projects or working in a portfolio company.
• Experience with companies relevant to Tarter and the Platinum Small Cap portfolio (i.e., $100M-$750M revenue; manufacturing & distribution, family or founder transitions).
• Demonstrated ability to operate both at the strategic level and tactical project execution. Ability to balance “getting hands dirty” with overseeing big picture objectives.
• A logical and analytical approach to complex problems.
• Keen financial acumen and ability to connect value creation initiatives to the P&L / EBITDA; partners effectively with FP&A.
• Strong project management and execution skills.
• M&A and post-merger integration experience.
• Operational background with a strong focus on change management and process/technology improvements.
• Intellectual curiosity and ability to “think outside of the box”.
• Exceptional gravitas, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Builds strong relationships with leadership and shop-floor employees; influences and manages stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Friendly, engaging, and down-to-earth personality. Enjoys working in partnership with others, fostering cooperation, and collaboration.
• Exceptional work ethic, integrity, and judgement.
• A self-starter who actively strives to achieve exceptional standards and practices for the business; entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to travel weekly to Kentucky. Motivated to take on the demands of the role and make an impact.
