Buy-In CEO of a Niche Manufacturing SME

Launch your career as an Entrepreneur

Dream of becoming an entrepreneur but lack the experience or capital to start from scratch? This is your opportunity to take over a healthy, established niche manufacturing company and scale it further, backed by an experienced investment partner.

You will gain access to entrepreneurship in a supported environment, with strategic guidance, operational expertise, and financial backing. A unique chance to grow personally and professionally while creating significant financial upside.

The Opportunity

For our next investment in Antwerp, we are looking for a (first-time) CEO with a hands-on mentality, strong analytical skills, and a genuine interest in niche industrial engineering.

You will take the lead of a long-standing, internationally oriented metal product manufacturing company (approx. €3M turnover) with more than 60 years of expertise and a compact, committed team.

Your Role

• • Shaping and execute the company's vision and strategic growth strategy
• Take full responsibility for daily management and strategic direction.
• Drive commercial growth and strengthen the brand.
• Optimize processes (digitalisation, automation).
• Identify and integrate strategic expansion opportunities (incl. add-on acquisitions).
• Work closely with the Companions team for strategic sparring and support.

Your Profile

You don't need a long track record to succeed here. What matters most is your drive, curiosity, and willingness to learn. We provide the guidance, expertise, and financial support to help you thrive as a first-time CEO.

• A Master's degree (required), preferably in (bio)engineering, chemistry, business, science, or engineering.
• Passion for engineering, technical manufacturing and/or welding.
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial, and analytical mindset.
• Ambition to grow as an entrepreneur and build sustainable value.
• Leadership potential and an readiness to make decisions.
• Curious, eager to learn, and pragmatic
• Comfortable communicating in Dutch, English and French; German is a plus due to the international character of the company.

What we offer

• A unique path to entrepreneurship: take over and grow an existing niche engineering company.
• Guidance and sparring: Intensive guidance and coaching from Companions.
• Co-investment opportunity: participate in the company's equity (~10–20%).
• Long-term Commitment: Long term contract with clear exit possibility.

If interested, or if you know someone who might be, send us your CV and we will get in touch.

Questions? Contact Eline De Cuypere (Talent Manager) at or via email.