---
title: 'VP, Operator Selection & Experience at American Operator'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/vp-operator-selection-experience-american-operator-austin-fc7vagczn1c8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# VP, Operator Selection & Experience at American Operator

- **Company:** American Operator
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Posted:** 2026-08-14
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/americanoperator/c39adfd8-d0e5-4965-a631-5dfce55757d8

## Job description

American Operator is hiring a VP, Operator Selection & Experience to build the network and development platform for exceptional leaders who want to become CEOs and owners of small businesses.

This role owns the full operator lifecycle: attracting and selecting outstanding leaders, preparing them for ownership, matching them with the right businesses, and supporting their success after placement. The mandate is broader than recruiting, it is to make the American Operator network a differentiated source of talent, community, and long-term value creation.

The ideal candidate is a strategic talent leader and hands-on builder with experience across executive talent, leadership development, and private-equity-backed businesses. This role will report to the CEO.

## RESPONSIBILITIES

- Define American Operator’s operator talent strategy, aligned with its investment pipeline, industries, and geographies.
- Build and engage a high-quality operator network before specific acquisition needs arise.
- Own operator selection and matching, including success profiles, assessments, interviews, references, and final recommendations.
- Create a compelling experience and value proposition for prospective, qualified, and placed operators.
- Build pre-placement education, onboarding, and ongoing development programs, including peer learning, mentorship, and coaching.
- Partner with the investment and operating teams to support operator transitions, first-100-day plans, and long-term success.
- Track the health of the operator platform through measures such as bench quality, engagement, match quality, retention, and post-placement outcomes.
- Lead a small team while remaining personally involved with priority operators and critical selection decisions.

## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- 8+ years in executive talent, leadership development, talent strategy, private-equity portfolio support, or a related field.
- Experience building a talent, leadership, or executive network, not only executing searches.
- Strong judgment in executive assessment, matching, and leadership transitions.
- Experience supporting leaders through onboarding, development, coaching, or peer programming.
- Strong business and financial acumen; familiarity with M&A and private-equity value creation is preferred.
- Executive presence and the ability to build trust with investors, business owners, and senior operators.
- A builder’s mindset and the ability to move between strategy and hands-on execution.

## COMPENSATION

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.

$150K - $200K

## BENEFITS

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a company-matched 401(k), unlimited PTO, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.

## ABOUT THE TEAM

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.

We know that diversity of thought, discipline, and lived experience leads to better decisions and stronger businesses. We’re intentional about bringing together people who care deeply about ownership, stewardship, and keeping great companies in capable hands. Our work depends on collaboration, humility, and a shared belief in the value of Main Street.

We’re a team shaped by different industries, hometowns, and career paths, and we believe those differences are exactly what prepare us to serve small-business owners and future CEOs across the country.

## MISSION-DRIVEN

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.

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.

We work hard because we know what’s at stake: generational businesses that deserve to thrive, and talented operators who deserve the chance to lead them. 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.

Where else do you get the opportunity to help someone become a CEO, preserve a founder’s life’s work, and strengthen a community, all in the same job? That’s what makes our work both serious and incredibly fulfilling.

## About American Operator

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: American Operator acquires small businesses from retiring owners and partners with experienced industry operators to lead as CEO, with a clear path to earn majority ownership.
- **Entity Type**: Private (backed by institutional investors; funding stage not disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: Austin, TX, USA
- **Founded**: Not publicly available
- **Founders**: William Fry (CEO, Founder)

## Core Business
- Primary industry: Small business acquisition and operation (search fund / “acquire-and-operate” model)
- Target customers: Retiring small business owners (sellers) and high-capacity industry operators (buyers/CEOs); serves B2B/B2C across multiple verticals
- Mission or purpose statement: “Reviving the American Dream” by creating a new path to small business ownership for the next generation of hardworking Americans.

## Products & Services
- **Operate-to-Own Model**: American Operator funds the acquisition of a small business, partners with a proven operator to lead as CEO, and provides hands-on support and governance. The operator receives meaningful day-one ownership and can incrementally buy back equity until they become majority owner. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
- **America’s Small Business Stock (future offering)**: The company is working toward a public offering that would allow everyday Americans to invest in a portfolio of small businesses, democratizing ownership. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available
- **Key Metric**: Total funding not disclosed; recent acquisition of Greenway Painting (Jackson, MS) completed. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Board includes Joe Lonsdale (co-founder of Palantir, 8VC) and Baris Akis; advisor network of current and former business owners across multiple industries. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)
- **Growth Signals**: Active hiring for multiple roles (VP of Investments, VP of Portfolio Performance, Business Development Associate); expanding portfolio with announced acquisition; building out advisor network for scaling across industries. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/american-operator)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Operate-to-Own Model**: Differentiates from traditional private equity by offering operators a clear path to majority ownership rather than permanent minority stake.
- **Hands-On Support**: Operators receive a dedicated industry advisor, governance structure, and access to American Operator’s back-office resources.
- **Local Focus**: Keeps businesses locally owned and operated, preserving community relationships and reputation.
- **Strong Advisor Network**: Experienced operators and former owners provide sector-specific guidance (home services, manufacturing, landscaping, painting, etc.).

## Strategic Focus
- Scale acquisition pipeline across multiple industries (home services, manufacturing, landscaping, logistics, etc.)
- Build a portfolio of enduring small businesses and work toward a public “small business stock” offering
- Expand the operator candidate pool and continue refining the operate-to-own playbook

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Tight-knit, mission-driven team focused on high-impact work; “your voice is heard, your impact is real.” [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Work Policy**: In-office collaboration at the Austin, TX headquarters (on-site work expected, with snacks and team connection). [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision, 401k with company match, generous parental leave, flexible time off (“Use What You Need”). [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
- **Growth Exposure**: Hands-on work with live deals, critical operations, and strategic portfolio support – ideal for candidates seeking fast learning and real ownership experience.
- **Values**: “Operator First,” “American Roots,” “High-Impact” – emphasis on building strong local businesses and supporting operators taking the bold step into ownership.

## Sources
1. [americanoperator.com](https://www.americanoperator.com/)
2. [americanoperator.com/careers](https://www.americanoperator.com/careers)
3. [americanoperator.com/about-us](https://www.americanoperator.com/about-us)
4. [builtin.com](https://builtin.com/company/american-operator)

## Other roles at American Operator

- [Vice President, Portfolio Performance](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-portfolio-performance-american-operator-austin-da3y16dr8a6w) — Austin, TX
- [Vice President, Investments](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-investments-american-operator-austin-h3xqfv4zzysc) — Austin, TX
- [Portfolio CEO: Commercial Roofing Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-commercial-roofing-company-american-operator-boston-zd4bw9we3vtb) — Boston, MA
- [Portfolio CEO: Event Production and Rental Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-event-production-and-rental-company-american-operator-san-diego-ds3kvd7d948r) — San Diego, CA
- [Portfolio CEO Network: Commerical Distribution](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-network-commerical-distribution-american-operator-allen-town-9kzsx4x9nm0d) — Allen Town
- [Deal Sourcing Analyst](https://feeny.ai/job/deal-sourcing-analyst-american-operator-austin-bs3ejt7w4bbk) — Austin, TX
- [Portfolio CEO: Tent & Event Rental Company](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-tent-event-rental-company-american-operator-philadelphia-wj48vz4nznjq) — Philadelphia, PA
- [Portfolio CEO Network](https://feeny.ai/job/portfolio-ceo-network-american-operator-united-states-v6mvggz17jm5) — United States