CEO - MBI Program (Operating Partner) - Italy

Vedi l’offerta su Go Lavoro: golavoro.it/annuncio-lavoro/7ikn1h

Italy has one of Europe's highest concentrations of family-owned SMEs approaching a generational handover with no successor in place, and one of the strongest track records of operators stepping in to lead that transition. This is an Italy-based CEO role, we're looking for candidates with deep, established professional roots in Italy'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 Italy 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: 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.

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) Facility operations, maintenance, service & repair Ideal acquisition targets meet the following criteria These investment standards ensure that each acquisition aligns with AIA's mission to solve the SME succession crisis in Europe. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. #

Vedi l’offerta su Go Lavoro: golavoro.it/annuncio-lavoro/7ikn1h