Vice President, Investment Team, North America

Who We Are

Novastone Capital Advisors (NCA) runs a global Operator-Led Search Fund program, helping mid-career professionals to identify, acquire, grow, and exit established small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) typically faced with succession challenges.

Check our website for more information: http://www.novastone-ca.com

Role description

We are seeking an accomplished senior M&A buy side expert to serve as VP on our Investment Team with the focus on leading the full investment cycle from offer preparation, commercial, to closing. This role combines direct oversight of NCA’s investment professionals with hands-on M&A execution. This VP position will play a central role in ensuring the highest quality of investment execution across the company, guiding the team and representing NCA to external stakeholders and is a fully remote role.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership & Team

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to NCA’s Investment Team; build culture, set objectives, and drive professional development.
• Hire, coach, and mentor investment professionals and searchers; establish consistent standards of excellence and feedback rhythms.
• Own pipeline management, resourcing, and prioritization across multiple concurrent processes.

Investment Process & Governance

• Design and continuously improve the end‑to‑end investment process for lower mid‑market acquisitions in the Operator‑Led Search model.
• Own valuation frameworks, financial model standards, and deal structuring playbooks; ensure consistency and quality.
• Oversee preparation of Investment Committee materials and present/participate in IC discussions.
• Institutionalize templates for deal memoranda, LOIs, diligence trackers, and 100‑day plans.

Deal Sourcing & Execution

• Work with and advise searchers on the evaluation, structuring, and execution of M&A transactions.
• Take ultimate ownership of financial models and valuations for potential transactions.
• Oversee and review deal memoranda prepared by searchers prior to investor presentations.
• Review and provide final approval on offer letters and, alongside searchers, negotiate key deal terms with sellers.
• Oversee operator‑led commercial due diligence and third‑party diligence workstreams.
• Collaborate with searchers to ensure successful execution of transactions.
• Proactively originate opportunities through the NCA searcher network and external intermediaries; maintain senior relationships with brokers, bankers, and advisors.
• Lead negotiations on complex terms (earn‑outs, seller notes, R&W insurance, rollover equity) and drive to executable LOIs and SPAs.
• Coordinate legal, tax, and regulatory workstreams, ensuring compliance (including KYC/AML and sanctions where applicable).

External Representation

• Represent NCA credibly to investors, sellers, advisors, and the broader ETA/search fund ecosystem.
• Contribute thought leadership (events, content, panels) to elevate NCA’s brand.

Must Have:

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in private equity, investment banking, or principal investing
• Experience in search funds or supporting search fund operators
• Demonstrated success leading and managing remote high-performing CEOs and investment teams
• Proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and executing complex M&A transactions
• Strong expertise in financial modelling, valuation, and deal structuring
• Exceptional negotiation, relationship management, and leadership skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on driving successful outcomes
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree
• Deep familiarity with lower mid‑market / SMB buyouts (typical EV $15-80m) and founder‑owned businesses.
• Outstanding communication skills with boardroom presence; able to coach upcoming CEOs and present to IC.
• Right to work in North America; ability to travel as required.
• Sit on the board of select portfolio companies as an NCA representative.

Nice to Have:

• Established network of relationships with investors, advisors, and intermediaries
• Experience with cross-border or small/mid-market M&A transactions
• Track record of mentoring and developing investment professionals
• Experience leading international teams in a dynamic environment
• Exposure to the ETA/search ecosystem (accelerators, lenders, R&W providers) and sector theses relevant to NCA.
• CFA charter holder or similar credential.

What We Offer:

• Company benefits
• Personal benefits
• International exposure, in‑person events, and a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture
• Employee training & development
• Fully Remote, but travel required at times

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, 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.