Private Equity Principal or Managing Director

Soul Equity Solutions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Soul Equity Solutions is seeking a Private Equity Principal/MD to lead originations in industrials and infrastructure from its Washington, DC area office. The role builds on an established platform and requires sourcing, thesis development, and close collaboration with partners to shape the next fund’s portfolio.

Ideal candidates bring a proven track record in sourcing and executing deals across industrials-adjacent sectors and demonstrate an owner mentality with a transparent feedback culture.

Qualifications

• Current Principal, Managing Director, or a highly experienced Vice President with a proven origination track record, at a buyout-focused private equity firm.
• Demonstrated ability to originate and execute deals.
• End-to-end deal experience from sourcing through exit, including control buyouts (credit-only backgrounds are not a fit).
• Deep expertise in at least one relevant sector in the broader industrials market, such as energy infrastructure, critical infrastructure, engineering and design, or transportation and logistics.
• Investment banking, accounting or consulting foundation, with progression inside private equity; MBA not required.
• Owner mentality, low ego and comfort with a direct, transparent feedback culture.
• Ties to the Washington, DC area, or a clear interest in relocating there.
• US citizenship required; security clearance or military background a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support investment theses in broader industrials and regulated sectors adjacent to the firm’s core focus
• Build a network of business owners, management teams, bankers and intermediaries in these new markets to generate proprietary deal flow
• Originate platform and add-on opportunities
• Help complete the deployment of the current fund and support the deployment of future funds
• Lead transactions from first look through closing, including valuation, structuring, diligence and financing
• Prepare and present investment committee memos and recommendations
• Manage lenders, accountants, attorneys and other outside advisors
• Partner with portfolio company management teams, working closely with executives on performance, growth initiatives and add-on acquisitions
• Participate in board meetings and provide high-level strategic and financial oversight through exit; management teams run day-to-day operations, so this is not an operating-partner role
• Mentor and develop vice presidents, associates and analysts
• Contribute to recruiting and to the firm’s culture

Job description

Private Equity Principal / Managing Director - Industrials & Infrastructure

About the Company

Our client is a well-established middle market private equity firm based in the Washington, DC area that partners with growing businesses across government-facing and industrial markets. The firm has raised multiple funds and built a loyal investor base, and it is now adding a senior investment professional as it broadens its sector focus.

About the Role

This is a rare chance to help build something new inside a proven platform. The firm is hiring a Principal or Managing Director to help expand into industrial markets adjacent to its core focus, including (but not limited to) energy infrastructure, critical infrastructure, engineering and design, and transportation and logistics. This person will bring an existing thesis and relationships in one or more of these sectors and begin sourcing from day one, working closely with the firm’s partners. Title will be commensurate with experience.

Candidates do not need experience in every one of these sectors. What matters is the ability to identify an attractive market, build a thesis around it and turn that thesis into a sourcing strategy and closed deals.

The timing is also compelling. This hire joins as the firm prepares for its next fund, and the deals this person sources and closes will help shape that story. The role reports directly to the firm’s partners, including its founder.

Highlights

• Build your sector coverage: Help shape a new vertical with the backing of an established track record and a loyal investor base.
• Join at the right moment: Come in ahead of the next fund with a direct hand in the deals that define it.
• A family-centric culture: A lean, high-performing team with rare senior turnover and leadership that makes room for life outside work.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and support investment theses in broader industrials and regulated sectors adjacent to the firm’s core focus
• Build a network of business owners, management teams, bankers and intermediaries in these new markets to generate proprietary deal flow
• Originate platform and add-on opportunities
• Help complete the deployment of the current fund and support the deployment of future funds

Deal Execution

• Lead transactions from first look through closing, including valuation, structuring, diligence and financing
• Prepare and present investment committee memos and recommendations
• Manage lenders, accountants, attorneys and other outside advisors
• Partner with portfolio company management teams, working closely with executives on performance, growth initiatives and add-on acquisitions
• Participate in board meetings and provide high-level strategic and financial oversight through exit; management teams run day-to-day operations, so this is not an operating-partner role
• Mentor and develop vice presidents, associates and analysts
• Contribute to recruiting and to the firm’s culture

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Current Principal, Managing Director, or a highly experienced Vice President with a proven origination track record, at a buyout-focused private equity firm
• Demonstrated ability to originate and execute deals
• End-to-end deal experience from sourcing through exit, including control buyouts (credit-only backgrounds are not a fit)
• Deep expertise in at least one relevant sector in the broader industrials market, such as energy infrastructure, critical infrastructure, engineering and design, or transportation and logistics
• Investment banking, accounting or consulting foundation, with progression inside private equity; MBA not required
• Owner mentality, low ego and comfort with a direct, transparent feedback culture
• Ties to the Washington, DC area, or a clear interest in relocating there
• US citizenship required; security clearance or military background a plus

Compensation

Total cash compensation of $400,000 to $600,000, including base salary and annual bonus, depending on experience. The role also includes carried interest.

Location & Work Model

Based in the Washington, DC metro area. The investment team works in the office five days a week, and travel is roughly 20%, including board meetings, management presentations and site visits.

About Soul Equity Solutions

Soul Equity is a retained executive search firm dedicated exclusively to guiding middle market private equity firms and their portfolio companies to best‑class talent. Our boutique recruiting experience is highly bespoke and curated to our clients’ needs.

This firm is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.