Overview
Our client is looking for a private equity–experienced, hands-on CEO to lead the next phase of growth, margin expansion, and operational scaling.
This is a high-intensity execution role - not a representative or advisory position. The CEO will act as the primary driver of performance, working on-site in Germany and leading the business day-to-day with a strong focus on speed, accountability, and execution.
Objective: Build a scalable, high-performance biotech tools business that delivers measurable private equity returns.
About the Business
A specialized life sciences tools company with customers that include global pharmaceutical and academic research organizations. The company operates in a high-margin niche with strong demand and clear opportunities for:
- Operational scaling
- International expansion
- Product-led growth
Role Summary
The CEO will have full P&L ownership and be responsible for executing the private equity value creation plan.
Key focus areas:
- Revenue growth through global expansion
- Margin improvement through operational efficiency
- Product and portfolio optimization
- Building a high-performance organization
This role requires daily on-site leadership in Germany.
Key Responsibilities
1. Execute Private Equity Value Creation Plan
- Own and deliver the investment thesis
- Drive revenue growth, EBITDA expansion, and cash generation
- Implement a clear value creation roadmap with quarterly milestones
- Establish KPI discipline and performance tracking
- Maintain strong alignment with the board
2. Lead Day-to-Day Operations
- Lead from the front on-site in Germany
- Drive operational excellence across R&D, production, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams
- Remove inefficiencies and bottlenecks
- Build a culture of accountability and execution
3. Drive Commercial Growth & Expansion
- Expand across Europe, North America, and Asia
- Strengthen sales, distributor, and key account channels
- Identify new markets and revenue opportunities
- Improve pricing strategy and commercial effectiveness
4. Improve Margins & Financial Performance
- Increase EBITDA through cost optimization and operational leverage
- Implement strong financial planning and forecasting
- Improve gross margins through product mix and efficiency
- Build a data-driven performance culture
5. Build a High-Performance Organization
- Develop a strong leadership team
- Upgrade structure to support scale and accountability
- Address underperformance quickly
- Embed a performance-driven, results-focused culture
6. Manage Investor & Board Relationships
- Act as the main interface with private equity investors
- Translate strategy into execution plans
- Provide clear, data-driven performance updates
- Operate in a high-accountability environment
Candidate Profile
Required Experience
- CEO experience in a private equity-backed company
- Proven track record of growth, transformation, or scaling
- Experience in life sciences, biotech tools, or MedTech
- Ability to deliver both revenue growth and EBITDA expansion
- Strong commercial and operational leadership (hands-on operator)
Why This Role
This is a true execution-focused CEO role in a technically strong, globally relevant biotech tools company with significant growth potential.
Ideal for a leader who thrives in private equity environments where speed, discipline, and results are critical.