Vice President, Investments

Responsibilities

• Own the deal lifecycle from offer through close, with accountability for deal quality, pacing, and outcomes
• Evaluate and prioritize investment opportunities and form recommendations on capital deployment
• Serve as the primary point of contact for business owners to build trust during complex transactions
• Lead structuring, negotiation, and execution of transactions
• Partner with operators and leadership on post-close integration and value creation
• Partner with leadership on sourcing strategy and pipeline development
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors throughout diligence
• Represent the firm externally with intermediaries and within the SMB ecosystem

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience in private equity and/or investment banking
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience owning transaction execution from sourcing through close
• Deep expertise in financial modeling, structuring, and negotiations
• Diverse industry experience, preferably in distribution, manufacturing, or services
• Strong investment judgment and ability to evaluate businesses holistically
• Proven ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA from a top-tier program
• Experience working with or investing in small and medium-sized businesses
• Experience with lower middle market / SMB acquisitions

About the Company

American Operator is mission-driven to preserve the legacy of America’s small businesses and create more pathways to meaningful ownership. We partner with operators to step into leadership roles, ensuring generational businesses continue to thrive and serve their communities.