Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Location: Emilia-Romagna, ItalyIndustry: Civil Engineering | Water Infrastructure | Public WorksOwnership: Private Equity-BackedCompensation: Competitive Executive Package + Bonus + Equity ParticipationThe OpportunityWe are partnering with a European private equity investor to appoint a Chief Executive Officer for an established Italian water infrastructure business entering an exciting phase of transformation and growth.Generating approximately €50 million in annual revenue, the company specialises in water network maintenance, underground infrastructure and public utility projects (SOA OG6). Headquartered in Emilia-Romagna, the business operates nationally, with an established presence across several Italian regions and longstanding relationships with public utilities and infrastructure clients.Following a majority investment by a private equity sponsor, the business is transitioning from a successful family-owned organisation into a professionally managed, scalable platform.The incoming CEO will play a central role in this transformation, working closely with the founding shareholders to strengthen the organisation, professionalise operations and position the business for its next phase of growth.This is a highly entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership opportunity with meaningful equity participation.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Business TransformationLead the transition from a founder-led business to a professionally managed organisation, while preserving its entrepreneurial culture and operational strengths.Develop and execute a clear business strategy focused on sustainable growth, profitability and operational excellence.Establish structured financial planning, controlling, performance reporting and management processes.Strengthen organisational capabilities, management structures and accountability across the business.Drive change management initiatives while maintaining strong alignment with the founding shareholders.Commercial Leadership & Stakeholder ManagementDevelop and maintain senior relationships with public utilities, contracting authorities and infrastructure clients.Gradually assume responsibility for key commercial relationships in close collaboration with the founders.Identify opportunities to strengthen the company's market position and expand existing customer relationships.Represent the business in discussions with clients, public entities and strategic partners.Operational ExcellenceMaintain a visible, hands-on presence across operational sites and projects.Work closely with operational leadership to ensure successful project execution, quality and profitability.Improve project-level visibility, resource allocation, cost control and operational performance.Support the development of scalable systems and processes capable of sustaining future growth.Shareholder & Investor ManagementWork collaboratively with the founding family, who will retain a significant shareholding and remain actively involved in the business.Build a strong working relationship with the private equity investor and wider group leadership.Align stakeholders around strategic priorities, operational improvements and long-term value creation.Support future integration initiatives as the wider infrastructure platform expands.Candidate ProfileWe are seeking an entrepreneurial and commercially minded executive with a proven track record in Italian civil engineering, infrastructure or public works.Essential RequirementsSignificant senior leadership experience within civil engineering, public works or infrastructure services.Strong understanding of the Italian infrastructure market, including public-sector contracting and project delivery.Demonstrated ability to manage operationally complex, project-based businesses.Proven experience leading organisational change, improving business processes and strengthening operational performance.Strong commercial acumen and the ability to develop relationships with public authorities, utilities and institutional clients.Hands-on leadership style, with the ability to engage directly with operational teams and project sites.Excellent stakeholder management skills, particularly when working with founders, family shareholders and established management teams.Willingness to be based in or regularly present in Rimini for at least 3–4 days per week.Highly DesirableDirect experience in water infrastructure, water network maintenance or utility services, particularly SOA OG6 activities.Established relationships with Italian water utilities and public-sector infrastructure clients.Experience in private equity-backed or investor-owned businesses.Previous involvement in professionalising founder-led organisations or supporting buy-and-build strategies.Exposure to business integration, operational transformation and scaling mid-market infrastructure companies.Leadership CharacteristicsThe successful candidate will be:Entrepreneurial: Comfortable taking ownership, making decisions and driving change.Hands-on: Equally effective in the boardroom, with clients and on operational sites.Commercially driven: Able to build trusted relationships and identify opportunities for profitable growth.Collaborative: Skilled at working alongside founders who remain shareholders and operationally involved.Charismatic and positive: A credible leader who inspires confidence and brings people together.Execution-focused: Someone who delivers tangible improvements rather than simply setting strategy.The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become a shareholder and participate directly in the long-term value creation of the business.Interested?This is a rare opportunity to lead an established Italian infrastructure business through a significant transformation, combining operational leadership, strategic responsibility and direct equity participation.For a confidential discussion, please apply directly or get in touch to learn more.