Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm dedicated to addressing succession challenges faced by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Our Operator-Led Buyout Program (OLBO) offers a structured and scalable solution for business succession, aiming for lasting success for all stakeholders.

The Role

We are seeking motivated, talented, and aspirational mid-career professionals who are eager to partner with NCA to search for, acquire, and lead a small or medium-sized enterprise as Chief Executive Officer. As an NCA Operator, you will lead a professional search of up to 24 months to acquire a small to mid-sized company. You will benefit from comprehensive support from NCA during this process, alongside a competitive compensation package and significant equity upside in the acquired company.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with us to establish a search process that generates sufficient deal flow to find a business that meets pre-defined criteria.
• Manage the acquisition process with support from 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, developing long-term business strategies and 100-day plans.
• Drive top-line growth through impactful marketing and sales initiatives.
• Review product/service offerings, portfolio strategies, and existing brand positioning to identify gaps and implement improvements.
• Manage geographical expansions when necessary, preparing and executing market entrance strategies.
• Ensure efficiency and profitable growth.

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 preferred).
• Minimum of 10+ years of proven experience in running and growing businesses or business units in the Netherlands.
• Strong motivation towards entrepreneurship.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.
• 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.

Nice to Have

• M&A experience.
• Consulting experience from a top consulting firm.
• Experience managing and operating an SME.
• Owner, Founder, or Co-Founder of a startup.
• Experience in global business development and international expansion.
• Recent successful business transformation experience.
• Open-mindedness towards learning, people, and even failure.

Selection Process

Selected candidates will undergo several in-depth interviews, complete online assessments, meet various stakeholders while reviewing their investment thesis, and present a business case assignment over several weeks. The selection process includes informative, non-evaluative steps such as webinars designed for candidates to gather more information about the program and meet the NCA team. The Final Assessment Center with jury selection is scheduled for September 2026.

We are an Equal Opportunity program, and all submitted CVs go 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.