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 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. Successful candidates will search, acquire, and manage a company in the U.S. We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity.

About the Role

You will establish a search process with us to generate sufficient deal flow, aiming to find a business to acquire in accordance with pre-defined criteria. You will manage the acquisition process with the support of our experienced Investment Management team, step into the CEO role of the newly acquired business, and drive its growth and success.

Responsibilities

• Establish a search process to generate deal flow and identify a business to acquire based on pre-defined criteria
• Manage the acquisition process with support from NCA’s 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, and brand positioning to identify gaps and implement improvements
• Manage geographical expansions, when required, including market entrance strategies
• Ensure profitable growth and operational efficiency

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 running and growing businesses or business units in the U.S.
• Strong motivation toward entrepreneurship
• Fluent in English
• Deep expertise and/or strategic vision in one or more of the following sectors:
  • Business Services
  • Healthcare Services
  • Niche Manufacturing
  • Software / Tech-Enabled Businesses
  • Distribution & Logistics

Preferred 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 or international expansion
• Recent successful business transformation experience
• Open-minded toward learning, people, and even failure

Selection Process

Every application is read and evaluated personally by our team, with no automated or AI-based screening. Selected candidates will proceed through several in-depth interviews, online assessments, and meetings with stakeholders while reviewing their investment thesis. Candidates will also complete and present a business case assignment over several weeks. The process includes informative webinars for candidates to learn more about the program and meet the NCA team. The final Assessment Center with the selection jury will take place in September 2026.