Chief Executive Officer

All Interests Aligned; Strasbourg; Sur place; EUR 125 000 - 150 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A European investment firm is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (Operating Partner) to lead the acquisition of family-owned SMEs facing succession challenges. This unique opportunity involves becoming a CEO-owner with investor support, guiding the acquisition process and managing business operations for sustainable growth. Ideal candidates will possess significant management experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and local market insight, aiming to address Europe's SME succession crisis.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in general management with accountability for sales and profitability.
• Minimum 10-15 years of professional experience post-undergraduate.
• Proven record of success and sector knowledge that aligns with AIA’s focus.

Responsabilités

• Lead acquisition and management of high-potential family-owned SMEs.
• Drive operations and strategy post-acquisition as CEO-owner.
• Work closely with investors and stakeholders throughout the MBI process.

Connaissances

General management experience

Industry expertise

Entrepreneurial mindset

Emotional readiness

Balanced ambition

Local knowledge

Description du poste

Job description

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 30-40 hours of preparation.

Job requirements

• 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.

Unsure if this program is right for you?

Join our Q&A Webinars to get your questions answered and learn more about what to expect. Click the link here (Q&A Sessions) to view our Q&A registration portal.