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- Tasks: Lead the acquisition and management of a family-owned SME, driving growth and innovation.
- Company: Join All Interests Aligned, a forward-thinking firm focused on solving the SME succession crisis.
- Benefits: Gain financial stability while becoming a CEO-owner with investor backing and support.
- Why this job: Transform your career by stepping into a CEO role and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in general management with a strong track record in sales and profitability.
- Other info: Rigorous selection process ensures a perfect fit for aspiring CEOs.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
Chief Executive Officer in Edinburgh 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 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential partners or investors, highlight your past successes and how you've driven growth in previous roles. We want to see that entrepreneurial mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Dive deep into AIA’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just qualified but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the MBI program right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how excited you are about leading a family-owned SME and making a real impact in the business world.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in general management and any industry expertise that aligns with AIA’s focus. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and profitability.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your personal journey and what has shaped your entrepreneurial mindset. Show us how your resilience and resourcefulness have helped you overcome challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at All Interests Aligned
✨Know Your Numbers
As a potential CEO, you need to be on top of the financials. Brush up on key metrics like cash flow, sales figures, and profit margins relevant to SMEs. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these numbers in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with AIA's mission. Think about examples where you've successfully led teams through transitions or challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the MBI Process
Familiarise yourself with the Management Buy-In process. Knowing the stages from origination to exit will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role and your strategic thinking capabilities.
✨Network and Build Relationships
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, think about how you can leverage your existing network. Be prepared to discuss how you would build relationships with key stakeholders in the acquisition target and beyond.
