Director Private Equity | Industrials

Title: Director Private Equity

Location: Chicago, IL

Industry Focus: Industrials

Fund Size: Middle Market Private Equity

Overview

We are currently partnered with a Chicago-based middle market private equity firm seeking a Director to join its investment team. 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 Director will take a leadership role across the full investment lifecycle, including origination, deal leadership, portfolio oversight, and mentoring of junior team members. This position offers significant responsibility, direct partnership with senior investment professionals, and meaningful exposure to management teams, boards, and advisors.

Responsibilities

Origination and Investment Sourcing

• Lead origination efforts across industrial subsectors, developing and maintaining relationships with investment banks, executives, business owners, and industry advisors
• Identify and evaluate proprietary and intermediated opportunities, and shape the firm’s view on target sectors
• Track industry trends and competitive dynamics across target sectors
• Oversee the firm’s investment pipeline and prioritize opportunities

Transaction Execution

• Lead deal teams from initial evaluation through closing, managing associates and analysts
• Oversee complex financial models, including LBO, operating, valuation, and returns analyses
• Direct third-party diligence providers, including accounting, legal, commercial, operational, and environmental advisors
• Prepare and present investment committee materials and recommendations
• Lead negotiations and financing processes, including lender relationships and diligence

Portfolio Management

• Serve on portfolio company boards and partner with management teams on strategic initiatives and operational improvement
• Drive add-on acquisition strategy, evaluation, and execution
• Monitor portfolio company financial and operating performance and support value creation plans
• Support exit planning and processes

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop junior investment professionals
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, including recruiting and, as relevant, investor communications

Qualifications

• 8 to 12 years of experience in private equity, investment banking, or related experience, with a track record of leading deals from origination through close
• Strong preference for candidates with Industrials, Diversified Industrials, Aerospace & Defense, Business Services, Transportation & Logistics, Packaging, or Manufacturing sector exposure
• Experience sourcing deals and building relationships with intermediaries and management teams
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation capabilities
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing junior team members
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the credibility to present to investment committees and boards
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment