CEO Through Acquisition

About the Opportunity

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 with the ambition to partner with NCA 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. Within the scope of our Operator-Led Buyout Program, 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 that will further enhance and secure your entrepreneurial journey.

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.

Operator 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 brands positioning and identify gaps and implement improvements
• Manage geographical expansions, when required, preparing and successfully implementing market entrance strategies
• Manage efficiency and ensure profitable growth

Must-Have 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)
• Min. 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 Requirements

• 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.

We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity. Registration is mandatory: https://webinar.novastone-ca.com/

For more information on the program, our application and selection process please refer to our website www.novastone-ca.com.