CEO Through Acquisition

Novastone Capital Advisors; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Novastone Capital Advisors is seeking an experienced professional to join as an NCA Searcher and to partner in searching, acquiring, and leading a small to mid-sized enterprise as Chief Executive Officer in the US market. The role offers a structured 24‑month search with comprehensive support and an attractive incentive package including base compensation and vested equity.

The successful candidate will spearhead the acquisition process, assume CEO responsibilities, and drive strategic growth

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience with leadership roles and full P&L responsibility
• Demonstrated ability to search, acquire and manage an SME
• Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship and ownership
• Deep expertise or vision in Business Services, Software/Tech-Enabled Businesses, or Distribution & Logistics

Responsibilities

• Establish a search process with us to generate deal flow under predefined criteria
• Manage the acquisition process with support from our Investment Management team
• Step into the CEO role of the acquired business
• Develop long-term strategy and 100-day plans to drive growth
• Grow top line via strategic marketing and sales initiatives
• Review portfolios and brands, identify gaps and implement improvements
• Lead geographic expansion efforts and market entry strategies
• Ensure efficiency and profitable growth

Skills

Leadership with P&L responsibility

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strategic growth & vision

US market experience

Education

MBA or Executive MBA

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 Buyout (OLBO) 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 mid-sized company. Within the scope of our Operator-Led Buyout (OLBO) Program, you will have access to comprehensive support from NCA during the search, as well as an attractive incentive package in the form of 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 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
• Deep expertise and/or strategic vision in one or more of the following sectors/industries:
• Business Services
• 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 November 2026.

We are an Equal Opportunity program, and all submitted CVs pass through the same application process, regardless of gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, race, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, parental status, or any other non‑merit factor. For more information on the program, our application and selection process please refer to our website www.novastone-ca.com.