CEO Through Acquisition

About the role

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. As an NCA Operator, you will spearhead an up to 24-month professional search to acquire one small to mid-sized company in the US. 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. We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity.

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.