Vice President, Investments

American Operator is seeking a Vice President of Investments to lead the end-to-end acquisition of small- to medium-sized businesses shaping American Operators portfolio for long-term growth and operational excellence. This is a senior individual contributor role where you will own deal execution drive high-quality investment decisions and serve as a key partner to leadership across the investment lifecycle.

You will run-point on small business acquisitions from LOI to close managing diligence negotiations and underwriting. You will be the primary point-of-contact for the retiring owners we partner with as well as the operators we back requiring strong relationship management and communication skills.

The ideal candidate for this role has a strong mix of EQ and IQ are familiar with small business owners and have experience with closing acquisitions of Main Street- or Lower Middle Market deals.

• Own the deal lifecycle from offer through close with accountability for deal quality pacing and outcomes.

• Evaluate and prioritize investment opportunities forming clear perspectives and recommendations on where to deploy capital.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for business owners building trust and navigating complex high-emotion transactions.

• Lead structuring negotiation and execution of transactions ensuring alignment with firm strategy and risk-return objectives.

• Partner with operators and leadership on post-close integration and value creation initiatives.

• Partner with leadership on sourcing strategy and pipeline development helping maintain a consistent flow of high-quality opportunities.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors throughout diligence and execution.

• Represent the firm externally with intermediaries advisors and within the SMB ecosystem.

• 8 years of relevant experience in private equity and/or investment banking.

• Bachelors degree in Finance Economics or related field.

• Demonstrated experience owning transaction execution from sourcing through close.

• Deep expertise in financial modeling structuring and negotiations.

• Diverse industry experience with a preference for distribution manufacturing or services businesses.

• Strong investment judgment and ability to evaluate businesses holistically including operational and strategic considerations.

• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.

• MBA from a top-tier program.

• Experience working with or investing in small and medium-sized businesses.

• Personal connection to small businesses or passion for preserving the American Dream.

• Experience with lower middle market / SMB acquisitions.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus and equity. Please note that compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including but not limited to relevant work experience education skills and other qualifications specific to the role.

$150K - $200K

American Operator exists because we believe the American Dream is worth protecting and that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. To do this well we need a team that reflects the real world: operators builders investors and problem-solvers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Every company claims to be mission-driven but our mission is simple tangible and urgent: preserve the legacy of Americas small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership.

We partner with operators who want to step into leadership take responsibility for great companies and continue the work that founders spent decades building. When we succeed communities keep their employers families keep their livelihoods and operators get the chance to build wealth through real ownership.

We work hard because we know whats at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. And while we measure our success in deals closed and businesses grown the real reward is seeing these companies continue to serve their people and their towns stronger than before.

Where else do you get the opportunity to help someone become a CEO preserve a founders lifes work and strengthen a community all in the same job Thats what makes our work both serious and incredibly fulfilling.

Required Experience:

Exec