Ireland's economy runs on some of the world's biggest tech and pharma multinationals, but buying into one of its family-owned SMEs as a career move is still a new idea here, this role gives you AIA's backing to be early.
This is an Ireland-based CEO role, we're looking for candidates with deep, established professional roots in Ireland'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 Ireland 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.
Industries & Investment Criteria
AIA's investment focus is on cash-flow positive, owner-operated SMEs across industries such as:
- Consumer Products (F&B only)
- Industrial Goods
- Facilities Management
- Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC)
- Energy, utilities & environment
- Chemicals & Materials
- Transportation & logistics
- Wellness & Nutrition (both Human & Animal)
- Adult Learning
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.
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. Click the link here (Q&A Sessions) to view our Q&A registration portal.
