Private Equity Senior Associate

Selby Jennings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and retirement plans

Competitive bonus structure

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Selby Jennings is assisting a Chicago-based private equity firm in recruiting an Experienced Senior Associate to join their investment team. The role covers the full lifecycle from due diligence to portfolio management and add-on acquisitions.

You will work with senior leadership on deal execution, financial modeling, market analysis, and value creation across portfolio companies, contributing to a lean, entrepreneurial culture with meaningful responsibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or related field; MBA or CFA preferred.
• Minimum 2 years in private equity or investment setting and at least 1 year in investment banking or management consulting.
• Strong financial modeling, due diligence, and valuation skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in due diligence, financial analysis, and market research for potential investments.
• Develop investment theses, build financial models, and assess target companies' potential.
• Work with portfolio companies to drive value via strategic planning and performance improvements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to refine investment strategy and evaluate new opportunities.
• Build relationships with industry professionals, advisors, and investors; support fundraising efforts.

Skills

Financial modeling

Due diligence

Valuation

Communication

Leadership

Deal execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or related field

MBA or CFA preferred

Tools

Excel

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

Microsoft Office

Job description

A Chicago-based Private Equity firm is seeking an Experienced Private Equity Senior Associate to join their team. The firm invests in middle-market companies specifically within the consumer sector. This is a unique opportunity to join a lean, entrepreneurial team where you will take on meaningful responsibility across the full investment lifecycle-from diligence and deal execution to portfolio company management and add-on acquisitions. This is an excellent opportunity for an investment professional seeking to work closely with portfolio companies and grow with a dedicated team over the long term.

As a Senior Associate, you will play a pivotal role in their investment strategy and execution. You will work closely with their senior leadership team, participating in the full spectrum of the private equity investment cycle. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of their firm while contributing to the success of their portfolio companies.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in due diligence efforts, financial analysis, and market research for potential investments.
• Develop investment theses, conduct financial modeling, and assess the operational potential of target companies.
• Work closely with portfolio companies to drive value creation, including strategic planning, performance improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to refine the firm's investment strategy and evaluate new market opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with industry professionals, advisors, and other key stakeholders.
• Support fundraising efforts and interact with investors, presenting investment opportunities and results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or related field; MBA or CFA preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a private equity or private investment seat and at least one year of investment banking, or management consulting experience.
• Strong financial modeling, due diligence, and valuation skills.
• Proven ability to lead and manage transactions from inception to closing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• A strategic thinker with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in financial analysis software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Opportunity for professional growth and advancement within a dynamic and rapidly growing firm.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of industries and investment opportunities