CEO Through Acquisition
Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm that solves succession challenges faced by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through our Operator-Led Buyout Program (OLBO), we provide a structured and scalable solution for business succession, ensuring lasting success for all stakeholders. NCA is looking for motivated, talented, aspirational mid-career professionals to partner with us to search, acquire, and lead a small or medium-sized enterprise as Chief Executive Officer.
As an NCA Operator, you will spearhead an up to 24-month professional search to acquire one small to mid-sized company. You will have access to comprehensive support from NCA during the search, as well as a competitive compensation package and meaningful equity upside in the acquired company.
Please note that we do not invest in start-up or scale-up companies. Successful candidates will search, acquire, and manage a company in the US. We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity.
About the role
Within the scope of our Operator-Led Buyout Program, you will establish a search process to generate sufficient deal flow, manage the acquisition process, step into the CEO role of the newly acquired business, and drive its growth and profitability.
Responsibilities
- Establish, together with us, a search process aiming to generate sufficient deal flow with the ultimate goal of finding a business to acquire in accordance with pre-defined criteria
- Manage the acquisition process with the support of our experienced Investment Management team
- Step into the CEO role of the newly acquired business
- Proactively generate and evaluate strategic growth options and business opportunities, develop long-term business strategy and 100-day plans
- Grow the business top line via impactful marketing and sales initiatives
- Review product/service offerings, portfolio strategies, existing brand positioning, and identify gaps to implement improvements
- Manage geographical expansions, when required, preparing and successfully implementing market entrance strategies
- Manage efficiency and ensure profitable growth
Requirements
- 15+ years of professional experience (including at least 5 years in leadership roles with full P&L responsibility)
- Academic achievement (Executive MBA or MBA degree preferred)
- Minimum 10+ years of proven track record of running and growing businesses or business units in the US
- Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship
- Fluent in English
- Deep expertise and/or strategic vision in one or more of the following sectors/industries:
- Business Services
- Healthcare Services
- Niche Manufacturing
- Software / Tech-Enabled Businesses
- Distribution & Logistics
Nice-to-have Qualifications
- M&A experience
- Consulting experience from a top consulting firm
- Experience managing and operating an SME
- Owner, Founder, or co-Founder of a Start-up
- Experience in global business development, international expansion
- Recent successful business transformation experience
- Open mind towards learning, people, and even failure
Selection Process
Every application we receive is read and evaluated personally by our team, with no automated or AI-based screening.
- Selected candidates will have several in-depth interviews, take online assessments, meet different stakeholders while reviewing their investment thesis, and complete and present a business case assignment over several weeks.
- The selection process also includes informative, non-evaluating steps such as webinars created for candidates to gather more information about the program and meet the NCA team.
- Final Assessment Center with the jury selection happens in September 2026.