Private Equity Associate: Lead Diligence & Growth

Soul Equity Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions seeks a Private Equity Associate for its Chicago, IL deal team. The role involves sourcing, diligence, board engagement, and value creation across the investment lifecycle, working closely with deal partners and founder-operators.

Expect rigorous analysis, strategic oversight, and meaningful day-one decision-making authority. Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of relevant experience in finance or operations, strong financial modeling, and the ability to collaborate with

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, private credit, or operational roles at growth-stage companies.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate business fundamentals and operational performance.
• Strong financial modeling and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Qualify opportunities alongside partners, build relationships with sell-side advisors and entrepreneurs, and write the initial investment thesis.
• Lead specific workstreams (financials, operations, customer concentration, competitive position), conduct management interviews, and identify the friction points that will determine whether an investment works.
• Sit on portfolio company boards or in management meetings, identify operational priorities with the founder, and track execution against milestones.

Skills

Financial modeling

Written communication

Deal sourcing

Team collaboration

Midwest presence

Job description

Soul Equity Solutions seeks a Private Equity Associate for its Chicago, IL deal team. The role involves sourcing, diligence, board engagement, and value creation across the investment lifecycle, working closely with deal partners and founder-operators.

Expect rigorous analysis, strategic oversight, and meaningful day-one decision-making authority. Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of relevant experience in finance or operations, strong financial modeling, and the ability to collaborate with