Vice President, Investments

About the role

The Vice President of Investments will lead the acquisition of small- to medium-sized businesses, contributing to American Operator’s portfolio for long-term growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Own the deal lifecycle from offer through close, ensuring deal quality, pacing, and outcomes.
• Evaluate and prioritize investment opportunities, forming clear perspectives and recommendations on deployment of capital.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for business owners, building trust and navigating complex, high-emotion transactions.
• Lead structuring, negotiation, and execution of transactions, aligning with firm strategy and risk-return objectives.
• Partner with operators and leadership on post-close integration and value creation initiatives.
• Partner with leadership on sourcing strategy and pipeline development, maintaining a consistent flow of high-quality opportunities.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors throughout diligence and execution.
• Represent the firm externally with intermediaries, advisors, and within the SMB ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of relevant experience in private equity and/or investment banking.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience owning transaction execution from sourcing through close.
• Deep expertise in financial modeling, structuring, and negotiations.
• Diverse industry experience, with a preference for distribution, manufacturing or services businesses.
• Strong investment judgment and ability to evaluate businesses holistically, including operational and strategic considerations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA from a top-tier program.
• Experience working with or investing in small and medium-sized businesses.
• Personal connection to small businesses or passion for preserving the American Dream.
• Experience with lower middle market / SMB acquisitions.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150K - $200K. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus and equity.

About American Operator

American Operator exists because we believe the American Dream is worth protecting, and that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. We partner with operators who want to step into leadership, take responsibility for great companies, and continue the work that founders spent decades building. When we succeed, communities keep their employers, families keep their livelihoods, and operators get the chance to build wealth through real ownership. We work hard because we know what’s at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive, and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. And while we measure our success in deals closed and businesses grown, the real reward is seeing these companies continue to serve their people and their towns, stronger than before.