At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the acquisition and management of family-owned SMEs in the UK.
- Company: Join AIA's MBI Program and become a CEO-owner with entrepreneurial backing.
- Benefits: Equity ownership, financial stability during acquisition, and strong support throughout the process.
- Other info: Rigorous selection process ensures a strong fit for future CEOs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving the SME succession crisis while leading a business.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in general management with full P&L accountability and industry expertise.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Thousands of strong UK family businesses need an operator to take them forward. If you've run the P&L, whether small, mid-market, or somewhere in between, and you see buying into an established business as more compelling than building from zero, this is the role for you, equity ownership, strong entrepreneurial backing, succession crisis solved.
This is a UK-based CEO role, we're looking for candidates with deep, established professional roots in the UK's business community. 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 in the UK 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.
AIA's investment focus is on cash-flow positive, owner-operated SMEs across industries such as:
- Consumer Products (F&B only)
- Facilities Management
- Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC)
- Transportation & logistics
- Wellness & Nutrition (both Human & Animal)
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, a 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 full P&L accountability, not just influence over it: if the business goes south, the consequences are yours to carry, not a superior's. Combined with at least 10–15 years of post-undergraduate professional experience.
- Operating background required: This program is built for hands-on operators. It isn't a fit for candidates whose background is primarily in financial services, banking, private equity, or consulting without direct, operating P&L accountability.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
CEO – MBI Program (Operating Partner) – UK in Birmingham employer: All Interests Aligned
All Interests Aligned (AIA) is an exceptional employer for those seeking a unique opportunity to lead and own a family business in the UK. With a strong focus on supporting entrepreneurial leaders through every stage of the Management Buy-In process, AIA fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal growth and professional development. Employees benefit from equity ownership, robust backing from seasoned entrepreneurs, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in addressing the SME succession crisis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO – MBI Program (Operating Partner) – UK in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like All Interests Aligned.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
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We think you need these skills to ace CEO – MBI Program (Operating Partner) – UK in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to All Interests Aligned.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of All Interests Aligned. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at All Interests Aligned
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with All Interests Aligned, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at All Interests Aligned, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for All Interests Aligned could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at All Interests Aligned as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
