CEO - MBI Program - (Operating Partner)

Description

Summary: This is a unique career path offering the opportunity to become a CEO-owner of a business with investor backing within a Management Buy-In Program. Highlights: 1. Lead the acquisition and management of a high-potential, family-owned SME 2. Become a CEO-owner of a business with backing from successful entrepreneurs 3. Fully-supported journey across all stages of the MBI process As a Chief Executive Officer (Operating Partner) in All Interests Aligned's (AIA) Management Buy\-In (MBI) Program, you will lead the acquisition and management of a high\-potential, family\-owned SME facing a succession challenge. Unlike a traditional job, this is a unique career path, offering you the opportunity to become a CEO\-owner of a business, with the backing of investors who are successful entrepreneurs themselves. Working closely with AIA, you’ll experience a fully\-supported journey across all stages of the MBI process: * **Origination**: Identify and assess potential acquisition targets with AIA’s financial and strategic support. During this phase, you will be compensated, ensuring financial stability while you focus on building your acquisition pipeline. * **Deal Closing**: Partner with AIA’s investment professionals who lead due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring to secure the acquisition. * **Transition**: Take on the CEO role, with a structured transition plan that includes leadership handover and relationship\-building with key stakeholders. * **Operation**: Lead the company’s operations, supported by AIA’s team in governance, reporting, and compliance to create and execute a value\-driven growth plan. * **Exit**: Prepare and execute an exit strategy in partnership with AIA, maximizing returns and ensuring a sustainable future for the business. **Industries \& Investment Criteria** AIA’s investment focus is on cash\-flow positive, owner\-operated SMEs across industries such as: * Consumer products * Industrial goods * Healthcare * Construction \& building * Energy, utilities \& environment * Business services * Chemicals \& materials * Education \& human services * Transportation \& logistics Ideal acquisition targets meet the following criteria: * Enterprise sales of between €10 \- €40 million * Consistent history of generating free cash flow (minimum 10% of sales) * Established or stable growth, with a strong competitive position in underserved markets These investment standards ensure that each acquisition aligns with AIA’s mission to solve the SME succession crisis in Europe. **Selection Process** Admission to the AIA MBI Program is rigorous, ensuring a strong fit between future CEOs and AIA’s mission. The multi\-stage process includes leadership assessments, in\-depth interviews, business case, development of an investment thesis and a final presentation to a panel of AIA leaders and external experts. The selection process typically spans 15\-17 weeks, requiring 35\-40 hours of preparation. * **Experience**: A minimum of 5\-years in a general management role with direct accountability for both sales and profitability, including at least 10\-15 years of post\-undergraduate professional experience. * **Industry Expertise**: A proven track record of success and deep domain knowledge in a sector that aligns with AIA’s investment thesis and strategic priorities, across various business types (corporates and SMEs). * **Entrepreneurial Mindset**: Demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness and the ability to navigate and overcome significant business challenges to achieve strong outcomes. * **Emotional Readiness**: Prepared to take on a leadership role, with clarity of purpose, a strong vision for growth, and a commitment to making a lasting impact. * **Balanced Ambition**: A combination of humility and strong personal drive, anchored by a clear understanding of how partnering with AIA can accelerate both individual and business success through purposeful collaboration. * **Local Anchorage:** Strong regional insight with fluency in local language and business culture, supported by a deep understanding of the economy and a well\-established network in the chosen geography.