CEO/Entrepreneur through Acquisition

The CFO Centre UK; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global firm assisting SMEs in the UK is looking for a motivated and talented individual to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Candidates should possess over 10 years of professional experience, ideally with an Executive MBA or MBA degree. The role involves establishing a structured search process, managing acquisitions, and stepping into the CEO position of newly acquired businesses. A strong entrepreneur mindset and proven leadership in growing businesses are essential for this position. A competitive compensation package and vested shares are part of the offer.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Vested shares in acquired company

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record in running and growing businesses in the UK.
• Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities

• Establish a search process to generate deal flow.
• Manage the acquisition process with support from the Investment Management team.
• Step into the CEO role of the acquired business.
• Proactively evaluate business opportunities and develop strategies.
• Grow the business through marketing and sales initiatives.
• Implement improvements to product/service offerings.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic vision

Entrepreneurship

Market strategy

Education

Executive MBA or MBA degree

Job description

Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm that solves succession challenges faced by Small to Medium‑Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through our Operator‑Led Search Fund Program, 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 Searcher, you will spearhead an up to 24‑month professional search to acquire one small‑to‑midsized company. Within the scope of our Operator‑Led Search Fund program, you will have access to financial and business support from NCA during the search, as well as an attractive incentive package in the form of a base compensation and vested shares 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 UK. We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity – registration is mandatory: https://webinar.novastone-ca.com

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

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience
• Executive MBA or MBA degree preferred
• Min. 5+ years in leadership roles managing multiple teams across multiple geographies and locations
• Min. 10+ years of proven track record of running and growing businesses or business units in the UK
• P&L responsibility
• Having a strategic vision for a sector or an industry
• Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship

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

Selected candidates will have in depth interviews, will take online assessments, will complete and present a business case assignment and will have a jury review of their investment thesis over several weeks.