(senior) managing director/ operating partner strategy & transformation (m/f/d)

AURELIUS is a global alternative investor, distinguished and widely recognised for its operational approach. It focuses on private markets, in particular Private Equity and Private Debt. Its key investment platforms include AURELIUS Opportunities V, AURELIUS European Opportunities IV, AUR Portfolio III and AURELIUS Growth Investments (Wachstumskapital). AURELIUS has been growing significantly in recent years, especially expanding its global footprint, and today employs more than 400 professionals in 9 offices spanning Europe and North America. AURELIUS is driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship, with a collegiate hands-on approach to complex projects. We are motivated, open, fun, and operate as a team of equals. Create impact with passion!

Immediately after the acquisition of a new investment through AURELIUS, you will take over the full responsibility for the transformation of the company. Your main task is, together with the established management, to elaborate and implement the strategy, the equity story and a comprehensive added-value concept in the company. Throughout this journey you have the possibility to support the value creation plan from the analysis to the final implementation and be engaged in driving change as well as increasing the overall competitiveness, profitability and sustainable increase of the company value. You will be able to rely on the support of the AURELIUS WaterRise Team and the extensive toolset of the AURELIUS’ operating model.

Key Experience & Qualifications

• Deep Industry Expertise: Proven track record in the industrial, manufacturing, or related B2B sectors. Strong understanding of operational levers specific to capital-intensive, asset-heavy environments.
• P&L and Operational Leadership: current or prior P&L responsibility (including CEO) for a significant business unit or enterprise. Demonstrated ability to manage and improve multi-site, cross-border operations, ideally in businesses with €250m–€1B in annual revenue (core target: €350m–€500m with investor backing). Clear experience in allocating operational resources.
• Transformation & Turnaround Experience: successful leadership of complex business transformations, including distressed or underperforming assets. Ability to lead change from "bad to good, to great," instilling long-term value and performance resilience.
• Execution Complex Transactions: skilled in navigating and executing highly complex, carve-out or special situation deals. Strong understanding of integration, stabilization, and strategic repositioning processes.
• Focus on Operational Excellence: strong orientation toward performance improvement, lean principles, and hands-on execution. Uncompromising focus on delivering measurable impact through operational rigor and leadership.
• Consulting background: A foundation or meaningful experience in a strategy or management consulting environment is very much preferred.

Cultural & Strategic Fit

• Demonstrates cultural adaptability and international exposure across European geographies, experience operating across multiple jurisdictions.
• Comfortable working across multiple levels; incl. deal teams, internal teams, portfolio management, and executive leadership of target companies.
• Operates effectively in fast-paced environments, thrives in autonomous and ambiguous environments, pragmatic and hands-on mentality.
• Excellent communication skills as well as strong analytical and implementation skills.
• Willingness to travel as required (in general 3-4 days / week on site).
• Fluent in English, further language skills are welcome.