2027 Cohort: CEO-in-Residence

NextGen Growth Partners•Chicago, IL

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

NextGen Growth Partners’ 2027 CIR Application seeks passionate and driven individuals with deep industry experience to acquire and operate lower middle market businesses. The firm supports its CEO-in-Residences (CIRs) with capital, partnership, and resources. CIRs will lead the acquisition process, including crafting investment theses, building an opportunity pipeline, and forging relationships with sellers. Post-acquisition, CIRs will transition into the CEO role, overseeing daily operations, developing strategic vision, implementing value creation strategies, building company culture, and leading teams for growth. The program emphasizes legacy preservation for existing businesses and driving future growth.

Requirements

Deep industry experience in the sector they want to acquire in
EBITDA in the $1.5 to $7 million range
Natural leader
Committed to providing a legacy preservation plan for a pre-existing small business
Driving growth
Overseeing the entire operation of a company
Work hand-in-hand with our investment team, Advisory Board, and interns
5+ years of operating experience in your target thesis area
Proven operator with P&L ownership and experience leading teams
Strong ability to design and manage a creative, relationship-based sales approach
Deep sense of integrity and strong personal ethics
Passion for learning through self-directed efforts, peer-to-peer feedback, and coaching
History of measurable career promotions and successes
Thesis alignment with NGP: Outsourced B2B services providing a mission-critical service with recurring revenue in the mix

Responsibilities

Craft investment theses
Build a pipeline of opportunities
Forge relationships with prospective sellers and industry leaders
Acquire and lead a company as its CEO
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the business
Develop the long-term mission and strategic vision of the company
Spearhead the development and implementation of effective value creation strategies
Build company culture and lead teams
Shepherd the business into its next phase of growth