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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the acquisition and management of a family-owned SME, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: All Interests Aligned focuses on solving the SME succession crisis in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy financial stability during the acquisition process and support from experienced investors.
- Why this job: Become a CEO-owner with a unique career path and make a lasting impact on businesses.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in general management with a strong track record in sales and profitability.
- Other info: Rigorous selection process ensures a strong fit for future CEOs.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
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.
AIA’s investment focus is on cash-flow positive, owner-operated SMEs across industries such as:
- Consumer products
- Construction & building
- Business 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. View our Q&A registration portal for more information.
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Chief Executive Officer employer: All Interests Aligned
Contact Detail:
All Interests Aligned Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the industry. Connect with professionals who have experience in management buy-ins or those who have successfully transitioned into CEO roles. Attend relevant industry events and webinars to build relationships that could lead to valuable insights and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with AIA’s investment focus and criteria for acquisition targets. Understanding their specific needs will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the rigorous selection process by practising leadership assessments and interview techniques. Consider mock interviews with peers or mentors who can provide constructive feedback, helping you to refine your presentation and business case development skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset by sharing examples of how you've navigated challenges in previous roles. Highlight your resilience and resourcefulness, as these traits are crucial for a CEO in a management buy-in scenario.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Chief Executive Officer at All Interests Aligned. Familiarise yourself with their Management Buy-In (MBI) Program and how it differs from traditional CEO roles.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in general management, sales, and profitability. Emphasise your entrepreneurial mindset and any previous successes in leading businesses or teams, particularly in sectors aligned with AIA’s investment focus.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to convey your vision for growth and how you can contribute to AIA's mission. Share specific examples of how you've navigated business challenges and achieved strong outcomes in your past roles.
Prepare for the Selection Process: Be ready for a rigorous selection process that includes leadership assessments and interviews. Prepare a business case and an investment thesis that aligns with AIA’s goals, showcasing your strategic foresight and understanding of the SME landscape.
How to prepare for a job interview at All Interests Aligned
✨Understand the MBI Process
Familiarise yourself with the Management Buy-In (MBI) process, as this role is unique. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach each stage, from origination to exit, and demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved.
✨Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
Highlight your resilience and resourcefulness during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've navigated significant business challenges in the past, and how these experiences have prepared you for a leadership role in a family-owned SME.
✨Demonstrate Industry Expertise
Be ready to discuss your deep domain knowledge in sectors that align with AIA’s investment thesis. Prepare to provide insights into market trends, competitive positioning, and how your experience can drive sustainable growth for the business.
✨Prepare for Leadership Assessments
Since the selection process includes leadership assessments, practice articulating your vision for growth and how you plan to make a lasting impact. Reflect on your leadership style and be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with key stakeholders.
