As we begin to expand our AURELIUS Growth operations in Italy we are seeking leaders to join us as:
Managing Director (m/f/d) — Buy & Build | Value Creation
In this leadership role at AURELIUS Growth, you will steward small-cap platforms from signing to exit, initially acting as a shadow CEO to set strategic direction, establish operating cadence, and assemble the leadership bench, before transitioning into full operational leadership as the platform scales through disciplined buy-and-build. Pre-deal you will partner closely with the Investment team. Post-close, you assume primary accountability for the platform with dedicated support from Investment, Operations, TxO, Finance, Recruiting, and the Digital Factory. The focus market is Italy; fluent Italian and English are required. Travel is extensive however; relocation is not required.
What you'll do
- Set strategy and governance, build and upgrade the leadership team and embed a scalable operating model.
- Own P&L, cash, and performance management; develop & deliver the value-creation plan and provide regular Board updates.
- Lead buy-and-build: shape the pipeline with the platform’s newly built deal team, execute acquisitions, integrate effectively, and realize synergies.
- Prepare the platform for timely, value-maximizing exit.
What you'll need
- Substantial general management experience (MD/CEO/GM) in a mid-cap context with direct eight‑figure P&L responsibility.
- Demonstrated small/mid-cap PE or M&A expertise, including deal execution and post-merger integration at pace.
- Credibility with management teams and investors; a decisive, hands-on approach balanced with a measured, diplomatic style.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen; degree in business, engineering, or science (or equivalent experience).
- Fluent Italian and English.
- Advantageous: strategy consulting background (MBB or equivalent) and/or MBA.
Skills Required
- Several years of broad, hands-on operational responsibility as a Managing Director or CEO in a mid-cap environment
- P&L responsibility of at least an eight-figure amount
- Experience in the small- or mid-cap private equity market
- Extensive expertise in systematic and conceptual transformation work developed in a strategy consulting firm
- University degree in business, science, or engineering
- Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, confidence, decisiveness, and hands-on mentality
- Understanding of key commercial, financial, and technical issues
- Strong cost consciousness, commercial acumen, execution strength, and communication skills
What We Do
AURELIUS is a globally active alternative investment firm focused on private equity, private debt, and real estate. It invests in and transforms companies through an operational approach, specializing in corporate carve-outs, platform build-ups, succession solutions, and bespoke financing. Its WaterRise operations advisory team provides hands-on support to improve portfolio-company performance and create sustainable value across complex transactions in Europe and North America.
