CEO in Residence / Operating Partner

About the Opportunity

Join us as a CEO in Residence (Operating Partner) to lead the acquisition and operation of a leading company within your industry. Established by Hunter Equity Partners, the investment branch of SMB Deal Hunter, we specialize in small business mergers and acquisitions, serving a large network of buyers and sellers across the United States. Over the past year, we have invested over $15 million in equity across three platforms, each valued on average at $56 million.

This role differs significantly from traditional CEO positions. We're searching for outstanding operators with in-depth industry knowledge, vast networks, and determination to develop a market-leading platform through acquisitions and organic growth. As CEO in Residence, you will devise and implement acquisition strategies, utilizing your expertise, connections, and reputation to pursue unique opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the sourcing strategy within your industry by cultivating relationships to generate exclusive deal flow with business owners, executives, intermediaries, and referral contacts.
• Evaluate and prioritize acquisition targets based on established criteria.
• Manage negotiations with company owners from initial contact through Letters of Intent and closure, with support on financing and diligence from our investment team.
• Assume full P&L responsibility as CEO of the acquired company from the start, overseeing revenue, margins, workforce, and cash flow.
• Drive top-line growth via pricing, sales efforts, marketing, and competitive positioning.
• Optimize operational efficiency regarding labor utilization, scheduling, procurement, and unit economics to ensure profitable growth.
• Lead geographic expansion initiatives and decide between acquisition or organic growth approaches.
• Build, develop, and hold accountable the management team.
• Identify, acquire, and successfully integrate bolt-on acquisitions to realize planned synergies.
• Prepare the company for exit by enhancing reporting, management systems, customer diversification, and leadership depth to maximize valuation.

Industries of Focus

We target industries with recurring or mandated revenue streams, fragmented ownership, and strong buyer demand. Primary sectors include but are not limited to:

• Fire and life safety, including mandated inspection services.
• Facility services with route-based delivery such as pest control, hygiene, specialty cleaning, and waste management.
• Testing, inspection, certification, and environmental compliance.
• Mechanical and HVAC MRO services across commercial, industrial, and residential markets.
• Insurance brokerage and specialty distribution.
• Specialty and precision manufacturing for sectors like aerospace, defense, and medical.
• Infrastructure and utility services including directional drilling, underground utilities, water, and grid services.
• Essential government contracted services such as landscaping, facilities management, IT, and grounds upkeep.
• Healthcare services without direct reimbursement risk, including veterinary, behavioral health, revenue cycle management, healthcare IT, and staffing.
• Vertical-market software and technologically enabled niche service providers.

If your industry shares similar characteristics but isn’t specifically listed, we encourage you to reach out.

Candidate Profile

• At least 10 years of operational experience within a single industry, with deep insights into owner demographics and profitability.
• Previous full P&L responsibility for a business unit or company generating over $25 million in revenue; hands-on leadership including hiring, pricing, and crisis management.
• Demonstrated industry expertise with U.S.-based operating experience.
• A clear acquisition thesis, industry network, and strategic vision rather than just ambition.
• Entrepreneurial drive favoring equity ownership and accountability over titles.
• Willingness to commit multiple years to significantly grow enterprise value.

Experience working in private equity-backed or acquisition-focused companies, or prior involvement on the buy-side of add-on deals, is advantageous but not mandatory.

What We Provide

• Full coverage of deal-related costs including legal, due diligence, quality of earnings assessments, financing, and structuring fees, even if deals do not close.
• Equity capital from our investor network—no need for you to raise funds independently.
• Assistance with structuring and negotiating acquisition financing.
• Comprehensive support from a transaction team handling structuring, legalities, accounting, and diligence.
• Access to exclusive off-market deal flow through our nationwide platform and network.
• Connections to brokers, intermediaries, and industry specialists.
• Operational frameworks and strategic counsel for acquisition, integration, and growth.

Why Partner With Us

Unlike independent sponsors who bear substantial financial and operational risk, our model eliminates upfront deal search costs and capital raises. You focus on leveraging your industry knowledge and relationships, supported by our capital and infrastructure. This enables velocity in deal-making and growth that is difficult to achieve solo. Your compensation begins at the initiation of our relationship, including a retainer during the search phase.

Compensation and Investment

• Guaranteed retainer throughout the sourcing period from the start of collaboration.
• Competitive CEO-level salary upon deal closing, complemented by performance-based incentives.
• Significant equity stake in the acquired platform with long-term value appreciation opportunities.
• All transactional costs absorbed by us, covering legal, diligence, and financing expenses, even if deals fall through.
• An expectation for you to commit meaningful personal capital alongside us, excluding deal-related expenses, reflecting your alignment with the business’ success.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply by sharing information about their industry expertise, leadership background, and motivation for this role. No cover letter is required. Our team personally reviews every application.