Novastone Capital Advisors
CEO Through Acquisition
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
CEO Through Acquisition
Joining Novastone Capital Advisors as an NCA Operator
Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) is a global firm dedicated to resolving succession challenges faced by Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through our Operator-Led Buyout Program (OLBO), we provide structured, scalable solutions for business succession, ensuring sustainable growth for all stakeholders.
We’re seeking motivated mid-career professionals driven by ambition to partner with NCA in locating, acquiring, and leading an SME as Chief Executive Officer.
The Opportunity
As an NCA Operator, you’ll conduct a 24-month professional search to acquire a small to medium-sized company while receiving comprehensive program support, competitive compensation, and meaningful equity upside. This empowering pathway will enable you to shape—and benefit from—long-term entrepreneurial success.
Important Note: NCA does not invest in startup or scalable companies.
Successful candidates will search, acquire, and manage businesses based in the UK.
Participate in a mandatory Q&A webinar to learn more about the role: 🔗 Register here
Operator Responsibilities
Your role will focus on:
- Business Discovery & Acquisition:
- Partner with NCA to develop and execute a search strategy, generating sufficient deal flow and identifying businesses that align with predefined criteria.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
-
Takeover & Transition:
- Lead the acquisition process with support from NCA’s Investment Management team.
- Step into the CEO role of the newly acquired business, ensuring a seamless transition.
-
Business Growth & Execution:
- Develop strategic growth plans and 100-day implementation roadmaps.
- Drive top-line growth via impactful marketing and sales initiatives.
- Review and optimise the product/service portfolio, reflecting competitive positioning.
- Expand geographically, when required—involving market entry strategies and execution.
-
Profitability & Efficiency:
- Ensure profitable growth while maintaining operational excellence.
Requirements
Must-Have Experience & Qualifications
- 15+ years of professional experience, including:
- At least 5 years in leadership roles with full P&L responsibility.
- Postgraduate academic achievement: An Executive MBA or MBA degree is preferred.
- 10+ years of proven expertise running and growing businesses (or business units) in the UK.
- Strong entrepreneurial motivation and vision.
- Fluent in English (essential).
- Deep expertise or strategic vision in one or more of the following sectors:
- Business Services
- Healthcare Services
- Niche Manufacturing
- Software / Tech-Enabled Businesses
- Distribution & Logistics
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Nice-to-Have Extras
- M&A experience
- Consulting experience from a top-tier firm
- SME management & operations experience
- Background as an owner, founder, or co-founder of a startup
- Global business development & international expansion experience
- Successful business transformation experience
- Adaptability beyond new learnings, embracing potential failure as a constructive opportunity
Selection Process
The program consists of:
- In-Depth assessments, including:
- Multiple rounds of interviews
- Online evaluations
- Business case assignments (weeks-long project with presentation requirement)
- Non-evaluating candidate webinars – providing foundational insights into the program.
- Final Assessment Centre in September 2026 with the jury selection panel.
Note on Equity & Opportunity: NCA operates as an Equal Opportunity program, assessing all candidates based solely on merits, regardless of gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, race, marital status, disability, age, parental status, or any other irrelevant criterion.
For further details on the program, application process, and selection journey, visit: 🌐 www.novastone-ca.com
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills