At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic professional services platform and drive significant growth through strategic acquisitions.
- Company: PE-backed firm focused on serving SME and mid-market clients across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and meaningful equity participation.
- Other info: Opportunity for first-time PE CEOs and a people-first culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company while making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in B2B professional services with M&A expertise.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 200000 £ per year.
Board Equity has been retained to identify a CEO for a PE-backed, multi-office professional services platform serving SME and mid-market clients across the UK. Sub-£50m revenue. Meaningful equity. Clear exit horizon.
The opportunity includes full P&L ownership with equity participation, responsible for delivering a roughly two-fold increase in EBITDA over a three-year hold period through accelerated organic growth and selective bolt-on M&A. There will be a close partnership with an operationally experienced Chair and an engaged PE sponsor.
Who we're looking for:
- A proven operator from a people-intensive B2B professional services background — regulatory and risk advisory, accountancy and tax advisory, consulting, or adjacent consolidating sectors such as insurance broking, wealth management or legal services.
- Buy-and-build M&A experience — a track record of completing and integrating multiple acquisitions in a people-led business.
- Founder and partner retention — clear evidence of keeping key talent through the post-acquisition period.
- PE governance — comfortable hitting EBITDA targets within a disciplined reporting environment while sustaining a people-first culture.
- Consolidation proposition — the ability to build a story that makes target firms want to join, not just the ability to execute transactions.
Remuneration: Competitive base, performance bonus and meaningful equity in line with PE norms. First-time PE CEOs considered. All approaches treated in the strictest confidence.
Chief Executive Officer in Slough employer: PE-Backed Professional Services Platform
As a Chief Executive Officer at our PE-backed professional services platform, you will be part of a dynamic and growth-oriented environment that prioritises people and innovation. We offer competitive remuneration, meaningful equity participation, and the opportunity to lead a talented team while driving significant growth in a collaborative culture. Our commitment to employee development and a clear exit strategy makes this an exceptional opportunity for those looking to make a lasting impact in the professional services sector.
Contact Details:
PE-Backed Professional Services Platform Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a CEO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent M&A activities and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around buy-and-build strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've retained key talent and fostered a people-first culture in previous roles. This will resonate well with PE firms looking for a strong operator.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in B2B professional services and M&A. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this CEO role. Share your vision for driving growth and retaining talent, and don’t forget to mention your experience with PE governance!
Showcase Your People Skills:Since this role is all about people, make sure to highlight your ability to lead and retain key talent. We’re looking for evidence of your people-first approach, so share specific examples that demonstrate this.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at PE-Backed Professional Services Platform
✨Know Your Numbers
As a CEO candidate, you need to be on top of the financials. Brush up on your understanding of EBITDA, revenue growth, and P&L management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles, especially in a people-intensive B2B environment.
✨Showcase Your M&A Experience
Prepare specific examples of your buy-and-build M&A experience. Talk about the acquisitions you've led, how you integrated teams, and the impact on company culture. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to grow the business through strategic acquisitions.
✨Emphasise People Retention
Highlight your track record in retaining key talent post-acquisition. Share strategies you've implemented to keep founders and partners engaged and motivated. This will show that you value a people-first culture, which is essential for this role.
✨Craft a Compelling Vision
Be prepared to articulate a clear vision for the company's future. Think about how you would position the firm to attract target companies for consolidation. Your ability to tell a compelling story will be key in convincing stakeholders to join the journey.