Description

Principal - Private Equity Firm

Location: Chicago, IL
Full‑Time | Investment Team | On‑site

Firm Overview

A well‑established private equity firm headquartered in Chicago is seeking a Principal to join its investment team. The firm invests in lower‑middle‑market businesses across manufacturing, distribution, business services, and related sectors. With a long track record of executing disciplined transactions and partnering closely with management teams, the firm emphasizes operational improvement, thoughtful capital structuring, and long‑term value creation.

The organization has raised multiple funds over its history and has deployed considerable capital across buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth‑oriented investments. The platform is known for its flexible mandate, analytical rigor, and hands‑on engagement with portfolio companies.

Position Overview

The Principal will serve as a senior leader within the investment team, responsible for sourcing opportunities, leading transaction processes, driving portfolio company strategy, and contributing to firm‑level initiatives. This individual will operate with high autonomy and play a critical role in shaping investment decisions and organizational direction.

Key Responsibilities

Origination & Sourcing

• Develop and manage relationships with founders, executives, bankers, intermediaries, and advisors.
• Identify proprietary and intermediary‑driven investment opportunities within targeted sectors.
• Lead thesis development, initial diligence, and early valuation work.

Deal Execution

• Oversee financial modeling, valuation analyses, due diligence coordination, and overall deal management.
• Lead multi‑workstream diligence across commercial, financial, operational, legal, and HR disciplines.
• Support negotiation, structuring, and preparation of internal investment materials.

Portfolio Leadership

• Serve as a primary point of contact for selected portfolio companies.
• Work with management teams to drive operational initiatives, growth strategies, and KPI development.
• Lead add‑on sourcing, execution, and integration.
• Participate in board‑level discussions as needed.

Firmwide Contributions

• Mentor Associates and Senior Associates, providing guidance and developmental support.
• Contribute to internal strategic projects and fundraising activity where appropriate.
• Represent the organization at industry events and meetings.

Qualifications

• 6-10+ years of experience in private equity, investment banking, principal investing, or another highly analytical, transaction‑oriented field.
• Demonstrated ability to source, manage, and execute deals independently.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, valuation, and due diligence oversight.
• Proven experience working closely with executive leadership teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust‑based relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex processes.
• Leadership presence and enthusiasm for developing junior talent.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a lean, collaborative environment.