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.
Program Phases
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
- 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
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.
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.
