Senior Associate, Investments

American Operator is looking to add a highly motivated Senior Investments Associate to support the end-to-end acquisition of small to medium sized businesses, contributing to portfolio growth and long-term value creation. This is a hands-on role where you will play a key part in evaluating, structuring, and executing transactions, while working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. You will run point as deal lead for “Main Street” and lower-middle market sized transactions.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and execution skills with high EQ and sales skills needed to navigate high stress, emotional transactions. This role offers the opportunity to have high ownership and impact. This role is based at our Austin, TX office.

Responsibilities

• Build authentic relationships with retiring owners and their advisors, positioning American Operator as a mission-aligned partner that will preserve local ownership.
• Own pre-LOI diligence, modeling and discussions with the owner, crafting a high likelihood path to close.
• Partner with leadership and internal stakeholders on vetting and selecting the best operator and advisor for prospective transactions.
• Coordinate with third-party service providers and stakeholders, keeping all parties informed and working in cohort.
• Craft detailed financial models and investment memos to evaluate acquisition opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on transaction strategy, integration planning, and portfolio monitoring.
• Run point on all aspects of a deal lifecycle, including deal structuring, due diligence, site visits, negotiations through close.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field
• Equally strong emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships (e.g., strong listening skills, genuinely interested in SMBs and people, ability to handle high emotions and stress levels)
• 6 years of relevant experience in private equity, investment banking, corporate development, or a related field
• Strong financial modeling and structuring expertise
• Proven experience with transaction execution and due diligence processes for lower middle market transactions
• Exceptional attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working across a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, services, distribution, etc
• Personal tie to small businesses and the American Dream
• Prior exposure to “Main Street”-sized deals