Private Equity Principal
Location: Chicago, IL
Firm focus: Industrials, Manufacturing, Distribution | Lower Middle Market | Flexible Capital Solutions (Senior Debt, Mezzanine, Preferred Equity, Equity)
About the firm
Our client is a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in investments across Industrials, Manufacturing, and Distribution. The firm targets lower middle‑market companies and utilizes a flexible capital toolkit including senior debt, mezzanine financing, preferred equity, and control equity. The firm partners with founder‑owned and family‑owned businesses and takes a hands‑on, operationally focused approach to long‑term value creation.
Our client is seeking an experienced Private Equity Principal to join its investment team beginning Summer 2026. The Principal will take a leadership role across sourcing, execution, capital structuring, and portfolio value creation. This individual will be responsible for driving deals, influencing investment decisions, and supporting firm‑level strategic initiatives while working closely with partners, management teams, and operating advisors.
Key responsibilities
• Deal evaluation
• Sourcing and pipeline development
• Quarterback deals from start to finish
• Value creation and portfolio leadership
• Internal firm initiatives and strategic projects
Qualifications
• 5-8+ years of experience in private equity, investment banking, mezzanine finance, credit investing, or a related transactional discipline.
• Track record of leading deals, ideally within Industrials, Manufacturing, or Distribution.
• Strong understanding of capital structures including senior debt, mezzanine, preferred equity, and LBO frameworks.
• Ability to originate opportunities, build relationships, and create sustained deal flow.
• Experience overseeing portfolio companies, KPIs, operational execution, and strategy.
• Excellent communication skills and executive presence.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and effective at managing multiple complex processes.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to excel in a hands‑on environment.
