About the role
American Operator is looking to add VP of Portfolio Performance to partner directly with the businesses in our portfolio. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and relationship management. You will build up a book of ~10 businesses and partner with them to hit our revenue and earnings targets, while building healthy cultures, operational excellence, and clear visibility. You’ll work closely with both the investment team and company leadership, acting as a trusted advisor and execution partner. This role will report to the CEO.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the primary point of contact between HQ and portfolio company leadership.
- Collaborate with the investment team to validate and implement value creation strategies.
- Identify and execute high-impact initiatives across functions (e.g., pricing, sales, operations, org design).
- Drive performance against operating plans, proactively identifying risks and solving issues.
- Build strong relationships with operators and influence outcomes without direct authority.
- Support weekly, monthly, and quarterly reporting and board communications.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (investments, integrations, platform).
- Travel regularly (50%+) to work directly with portfolio companies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 8+ years of experience in management consulting, private equity, or similar roles.
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- Background across multiple industries and business models.
- Strong financial acumen (e.g., working capital, IRR, MOIC, three-statement modeling).
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and execute across multiple business functions.
- Proven ability to influence and build trust with diverse stakeholders, you are a force multiplier and can drive buy-in.
- High adaptability and ability to quickly ramp in unfamiliar environments.
- Willingness to travel extensively and work on-site with portfolio companies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with small or medium-sized businesses.
- Experience driving growth initiatives in B2B and/or B2C settings.
- Blend of consulting and hands-on operating experience.
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.
LOCATION & TRAVEL
Candidates based in Austin, New York City, or the surrounding areas will be expected to commute to and work from our local office. Candidates outside of these regions may work remotely. Periodic travel to both Austin and New York City will be required regardless of location.
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.
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.