American Operator

Vice President, Investments

Austin, TX · Exec

Sponsorship not specified$150k-$200kDetected 77 days ago

NegotiationFinancial ModelingLeadershipCommunication

About the role

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.
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.

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

8+ years of relevant experience in private equity and/or investment banking.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or related field.
Deep expertise in financial modeling, structuring, and negotiations.
Strong investment judgment and ability to evaluate businesses holistically, including operational and strategic considerations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
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.

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.
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 America's small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership.

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

This listing is sourced directly from American Operator's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.