Private Equity Associate (Industrials)

Delmar Nord; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Delmar Nord, a Chicago-based private equity firm, seeks an Associate to join its investment team in early 2027. The role spans transaction execution, due diligence, financial analysis, portfolio support, and new investment evaluation, with significant responsibility and exposure to senior professionals.

Responsibilities include evaluating opportunities, building complex models, and coordinating diligence, while supporting strategic initiatives and add-on acquisitions across North American

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of investment banking, private equity, or related experience by start date.
• Preference for Industrials or related sectors exposure.
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation capabilities.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• High level of intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate prospective investment opportunities across industrial subsectors.
• Build and maintain complex financial models (LBO, operating, valuation, returns).
• Conduct industry, market, and competitive research.
• Coordinate third-party diligence providers (accounting, legal, advisory).
• Assist in investment committee materials and transaction documentation.
• Support financing processes and lender diligence.
• Monitor portfolio company operating and financial performance.
• Assist management with strategic initiatives and M&A activity.
• Support add-on acquisition evaluations and execution.
• Prepare board materials and portfolio reviews.

Skills

Financial modeling

LBO analysis

Valuation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

We are currently partnered with a Chicago-based middle market private equity firm who is seeking an Associate to join its investment team in early 2027. The firm focuses on control-oriented investments in North American industrial businesses, partnering with management teams to drive operational improvements, execute strategic growth initiatives, and create long-term value. The Associate will play an active role across all phases of the investment lifecycle, including transaction execution, due diligence, financial analysis, portfolio company support, and new investment evaluation. This position offers significant responsibility, direct interaction with senior investment professionals, and exposure to management teams and advisors.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate prospective investment opportunities across a variety of industrial subsectors
• Build and maintain complex financial models, including LBO, operating, valuation, and returns analyses
• Conduct industry, market, and competitive research
• Coordinate and manage third-party diligence providers, including accounting, legal, commercial, operational, and environmental advisors
• Assist in the preparation of investment committee materials and transaction documentation
• Support financing processes and lender diligence efforts
• Monitor portfolio company operating and financial performance
• Assist management teams with strategic initiatives, operational improvement projects, and M&A activity
• Support add-on acquisition evaluations and execution efforts
• Prepare board meeting materials and portfolio review analyses

Investment Sourcing & Market Coverage

• Track industry trends and competitive dynamics across target sectors
• Support relationship development with investment banks, executives, business owners, and industry advisors
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring the firm's investment pipeline

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, or related experience by the anticipated start date
• Strong preference for candidates with Industrials, Diversified Industrials, Aerospace & Defense, Business Services, Transportation & Logistics, Packaging, or Manufacturing sector exposure
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation capabilities
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• High level of intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment