CEO/Entrepreneur 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 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 a NCA Searcher, you will spearhead an up to 24-month professional search to acquire one small – 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 Austria.
• Applications close on May 1st, 2025.
• We strongly recommend attending one of our Q&A sessions to learn more about the opportunity, registration is mandatory.
• The partnership between the program and successful candidates is defined by several agreements and is not an employment/employer contractual relationship. During the search phase (up to 24 months), NCA Searchers have a budget to cover their living expenses.

SEARCHER 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

• 10+ years of professional experience
• Academic achievement (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 Austria.
• P&L responsibility
• Having a strategic vision for a sector or an industry
• Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship
• Fluent in English and German.

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 several 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
• Also includes webinars for candidates to gather more information about the program and meet the NCA team
• Final Assessment Center with the jury selection happens in July 2025

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.