Search ACE

Access Holdings Management Company LLC is a Baltimore-based middle-market investment firm with over $2.8 billion in assets under management. Founded in 2013, Access provides direct investment opportunities to create concentrated portfolios of essential service-based businesses in North America. We undertake active build-and-buy strategies, pursuing what we want to own, great markets and distinct business models. In doing so, Access partners, scales, and innovates to build enduring businesses. For more information, please visit www.accessholdings.com.

Program Overview

The Search ACE (SA) Program is a transformative two-year initiative designed for entrepreneurial and investment professionals seeking to transition into leadership roles within Access portfolio companies.

The program bridges the gap between investment acumen and operational leadership, preparing participants to drive growth, innovation, and value creation in high-impact executive roles.

The program is structured into two distinct phases:

• In-Residence Period: Participants join Access to develop and execute compelling investment theses, focusing on predetermined growth opportunities. During this phase, SAs leverage their deal-sourcing and execution experience to craft strategic frameworks that align with Access' portfolio goals.
• Operator Period: Participants transition into leadership roles within a designated portfolio company. In this phase, SAs spearhead platform launches, shape M&A strategies, and lead operational initiatives to accelerate business growth and operational excellence.
  
  

Through this dual-phase approach, the SA program provides participants with the tools, mentorship, and resources to excel as leaders within Access' dynamic portfolio of middle-market companies.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Growth
• Collaborate with internal teams to design actionable strategies that support portfolio growth and competitive positioning.
• Drive initiatives that align business strategies with portfolio-wide goals, and evaluate opportunities for acquisitions, partnerships, or operational improvements.
• M&A Strategy and Leadership
• Manage the full M&A process, including deal sourcing, market analysis, and cultivating relationships with potential acquisition targets.
• Build and maintain an acquisition pipeline to facilitate company expansion and strategic growth.
• Deal Negotiation and Execution
• Lead negotiations and prepare transaction documents such as NDAs, LOIs, term sheets, purchase agreements, and financing terms to secure favorable outcomes.
• Transaction Management
• Oversee due diligence processes, coordinating efforts across functional teams (finance, operations, IT, HR, and external advisors) to ensure seamless execution.
• Financial Analysis and Due Diligence
• Conduct comprehensive financial modeling, market research, and risk assessments to support investment decisions.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to analyze and underwrite acquisitions.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage regularly with Access' board and investors, providing updates on performance and strategic initiatives.
• Actively participate in board meetings and respond to key inquiries, ensuring strong relationships with investors.
• Mentorship and Team Development
• Mentor junior team members, guiding the preparation of market analyses, due diligence reports, and deal flow documentation.
• Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment within Access and portfolio companies.
  

Skills / Characteristics

• Demonstrated ability and interest in working within a small, entrepreneurial team
• Carries and conveys a healthy sense of urgency, a consistent driver
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written) leading to effective communication and promoting a healthy meritocracy culture
• Ability to comfortably interact with senior management (internal & external)
• Hands-on, entrepreneurial leader – ideas and actions
• Inspires and engages
• Self-initiating but in an aligned manner with Access' strategy and culture
• Constantly looking ahead; anticipating and guiding (proactively)
• Outstanding collaborator across all levels who excels building internal and external alignment on ideas, actions, recommendations
• Curious, creative, and ambitious
• Passion for investing and learning about new industries
• Appetite to become a subject matter expert in broad and diverse industries
  
  

Requirements

• MBA from a top business school (preferred).
• Proven track record of successfully sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and integrating M&A transactions (required).
• 6-8 years of experience in finance, consulting, operations, private equity, or related fields, with 2 years of buy-side transaction experience in private equity investment banking, consulting or a similar field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and drive measurable business outcomes.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with a track record of strategic problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for identifying and executing growth opportunities.
• Willingness to relocate based on portfolio company needs (role initially based in NYC or Baltimore, subject to relocation).
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship, now or in the future.