Chief Operating Officer
West Des Moines, Iowa - Full Time

*This role is for Carthage Holdings, Inc., a holding company for DISTek Integration, Inc.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for creating and translating the company’s strategic vision into execution across Carthage Holdings, Inc. (CHI) and its operating companies. This role leads to the successful integration of acquired businesses through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), ensuring alignment in operations, culture, and performance. The COO drives cross-company initiatives that strengthen collaboration, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate long-term enterprise value, while serving as a strategic partner to the operating company's leadership. This role reports to the President/CEO of Carthage Holdings, Inc. and serves on the Carthage Holdings Leadership Team. This role has the opportunity to be on-site, hybrid, or fully remote with travel. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Managing and Growing Carthage Shared Services:
    • Oversee and continuously improve Shared Service functions (HR/Payroll, Communications, Training & Engagement), ensuring high-quality, scalable support that meets the evolving needs of all operating companies.
    • Act as a strategic advisor and service partner to operating company leadership, removing barriers and enabling business growth and operational excellence.
    • Lead enterprise-wide talent strategy, including leadership development, engagement initiatives, performance management, and succession planning across multiple business units.
    • Translate vision into operational reality by coaching VPs on resource optimization and the execution of high-priority initiatives across all business units.
  • Lead Merger & Acquisition (M&A) Integration:
    • Partner with executive leadership to evaluate and conduct due diligence on potential acquisitions in M&A efforts by assessing operational alignment, scalability, and long-term value creation.
    • Drive the development and continuous refinement of M&A documentation, capturing best practices and lessons learned for future acquisitions.
    • Serve as the primary executive point of contact for acquisition integration, aligning stakeholders to achieve a timely and effective integration that delivers on deal objectives.
  • Champion Strategic Initiatives:
    • Establish and execute standardized processes, policies, and operating frameworks across entities while allowing for necessary business unit flexibility.
    • Embed company culture and values while respecting each operating company’s own identity.
    • Design and implement compensation strategies aligned with the organization’s philosophy, ensuring competitiveness, equity, and scalability across entities.

 

Required

  • 4-year degree from an accredited university.
  • Minimum 10 years of business leadership experience.
  • Strong business acumen and ability to interpret data translating insights into strategic action.
  • Proven ability to work independently while implementing executive-level decisions.
  • Effective relationship-building skills with the ability to foster trust and collaboration across diverse organizations.
  • Ability to travel (~5% to regional sites and conferences).
  • Understanding and ability to leverage AI and other emerging technologies to drive operational efficiency, data-driven decision making, and organization effectiveness.
  • Experience with M&A integration with a focus on alignment of people and processes.

 

Preferred

  • ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) knowledge or prior leadership role in an ESOP company. 
  • Experience in a leadership role, leading people across multi-entity organizations. 
  • 4-year business related degree or advanced degree (MBA or related).
  • Experience in a C-suite leadership role.

 

Desired

  • People/HR Certifications.
  • EOS/Traction experience. 
  • Experience overseeing HR responsibilities in a multi-state organization. 
  • Location: Midwest (IA, WI, IL) or proximity to bigger airports to minimize travel delays.

About Carthage Holdings:

Carthage Holdings, Inc. is a 100% employee owned (ESOP) holding company focused on acquiring and growing technology-oriented businesses. We partner with our operating companies such as DISTek Integration, Inc. and Red Foundry to provide strategic guidance, shared resources, and a long-term vision centered on “a legacy of shared success”. We are building a diversified portfolio of operating companies that each preserves their unique identity and culture. Learn more at www.carthageesop.com.