CEO – Management Buy-In Program (Operating Partner) – Ireland

About the Role

This Ireland-based CEO position offers a rare opportunity to acquire and lead a family-owned SME facing succession challenges, backed by All Interests Aligned (AIA), a network of successful entrepreneur investors. The role is designed for individuals deeply rooted in Ireland's business community who want to transition from a traditional job into ownership and leadership of an established SME.

Program Structure

• Origination: Identify and assess family-owned SMEs suitable for acquisition, supported financially and strategically by AIA, receiving compensation during this phase.
• Deal Closing: Collaborate with AIA's investment experts who manage due diligence, valuation, and deal structuring to complete the acquisition.
• Transition: Assume the CEO position with a planned leadership handover and relationship integration with stakeholders.
• Operation: Direct company operations with ongoing support in governance, reporting, and compliance, implementing strategies to grow company value.
• Exit: Plan and execute a strategy to maximize investment returns and secure the business's future sustainability alongside AIA.

Target Industries and Investment Criteria

AIA’s focus is on cash-flow positive, owner-operated SMEs across sectors including Consumer Products (food & beverage only), Industrial Goods, Facilities Management, Testing, Inspection and Certification, Energy, Utilities & Environment, Chemicals & Materials, Transportation & Logistics, Wellness & Nutrition for humans and animals, and Adult Learning.

Ideal businesses have annual sales between €10 million and €40 million, consistently generate free cash flow of at least 10% of sales, demonstrate steady growth or stability, and hold competitive positions in underserved markets.

Selection Process

Candidates undergo a thorough multi-step evaluation spanning 15–17 weeks, including leadership assessments, multiple interviews, business case development, investment thesis creation, and final presentations to AIA leaders and external experts. This requires 35–40 hours of candidate preparation.

Qualifications and Requirements

• At least 5 years in general management roles with full profit and loss accountability.
• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of professional experience after completing undergraduate education.
• Proven operational experience with direct responsibility over business results; primarily financial or consulting backgrounds without P&L control are not suitable.
• Strong industry knowledge aligned with AIA’s sectors and strategic approach.
• Deep local expertise within Ireland’s economic landscape along with fluent understanding of regional language and business culture, supported by a solid professional network.
• Entrepreneurial qualities including resilience, resourcefulness, and the capacity to effectively overcome substantial business challenges.
• Emotional readiness to undertake a significant leadership role, backed by a clear growth vision and dedication to lasting impact.
• Balanced ambition characterized by humility, a strong personal drive, and recognition of how partnership with AIA fosters accelerated personal and business achievements.