Senior Analyst

A hands-on role at a Michigan-based private equity firm — own a portfolio of companies, lead their add-on M&A, and step into new platform deals when capacity allows. POSITION Senior Analyst LOCATION Chicago, IL with regular travel to Grand Rapids, MI COMPENSATION $115,000 – $145,000 base. Eligible for performance bonus and firm-wide carry pool participation. STAKEHOLDERS Portfolio Company CEOs and CFOs, Blackford team, Blackford investors Blackford Capital is a Michigan-based private equity firm focused on control buyouts of lower middle market industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies. We partner with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams of high-quality, differentiated businesses to accelerate growth, drive operational improvement, and execute disciplined value-creation initiatives. We target companies with revenue of $20 million to $200 million and EBITDA of approximately $2 million to $20 million. Our approach emphasizes hands-on operational engagement, strategic add‑on acquisitions, and long‑term partnership with management teams to build scalable platforms. Learn more at ABOUT THE ROLE Blackford Capital is hiring a Senior Analyst to take ownership of a portfolio of our companies and drive both their operational performance and their inorganic growth. You will be assigned 2 to 4 portfolio companies depending on stage and complexity, and you will be the day‑to‑day execution lead for those companies — managing their workstreams, tracking their performance, and leading their add‑on M&A. When the Deal Team needs help on a new platform investment and you have capacity, you will step into the deal — building models, supporting diligence, and contributing to investment committee discussions. The exact mix shifts with the firm's pipeline, but on average this role runs roughly 60% portfolio operations and 40% deal‑related work, including add‑ons. This is a hands‑on, execution‑focused role. The right candidate is comfortable owning a portfolio, running M&A processes end‑to‑end, and stepping into new platform deals when needed. You will work directly with portfolio company CEOs and CFOs, with senior Blackford leadership, and across the full deal lifecycle. This role is based in Chicago and works remotely from a home office, with regular travel to Blackford's Grand Rapids headquarters for portfolio company work, deal sprints, and in‑person team collaboration. Expected travel is roughly 1 to 2 weeks per month, with cadence flexing based on deal activity and portfolio company needs. WHAT YOU'LL DO Portfolio company ownership (your assigned 2 to 4 companies) Own and manage workstreams across your assigned portfolio companies, partnering directly with management teams. Execute 100‑day integration plans, onboard Blackford processes (such as standardized monthly financial reporting and board mobilization), and lead value creation playbooks and workshops (such as indirect procurement spend analysis). Gather, track, and analyze monthly financial reporting packages, KPIs, and operational data to surface performance trends and intervention opportunities. Coordinate data collection, benchmarking, financial updates, and content preparation for board materials and investor reporting. Add‑on M&A for your portfolio companies Lead the full add‑on M&A process for your assigned portfolio companies — sourcing, diligence, financial analysis, and transaction execution. Build and maintain financial models to evaluate add‑on opportunities (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution, comps). Coordinate with lenders, attorneys, and third‑party advisors throughout each transaction. Platform deal support (when capacity allows) Support new platform investments alongside the Deal Team — financial modeling, diligence, data room management, and transaction materials (CIMs, IC memos, IOIs/LOIs). Contribute to investment committee discussions and management presentations. Conduct market, competitor, and operational research to support new initiatives and strategic reviews. Maintain and improve internal Blackford processes, playbooks, and tools used across teams. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Required 3 to 6 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, FP&A, consulting, or operational finance. Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting, with strong academic performance. Strong financial modeling skills, with direct experience building models that supported real transactions (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution, comps) — not just classroom or training‑program models. Working understanding of financial statements, 13‑week cash flow forecasting, and the mechanics of transaction execution. Experience leading projects to improve financial or operational performance — for example, redesigning back‑office processes, streamlining operational costs, implementing new systems, or redesigning operating models. Experience building relationships and presenting to executive leadership teams. Strong proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI or Tableau, and AI/data analytics tools. Preferred Prior experience in lower middle market private equity or transactions. Experience in manufacturing, industrials, or business services. Experience working with operating companies or in a multi‑entity environment. Based in or ties to Chicago, IL. WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED Ownership mentality — you take responsibility for your portfolio and follow through on deliverables. Comfort operating in two modes — the steady cadence of portfolio management and the intensity of an active deal — sometimes in the same week. High attention to detail and analytical rigor across both operational data and transaction models. Strong communication, interpersonal, and project management skills with portfolio company executives and internal partners. Curiosity and eagerness to learn the operational mechanics of running and growing a business. Professional maturity and sound judgment, especially when priorities compete. Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in an entrepreneurial, fast‑paced environment. Strong work ethic and willingness to put in the time required to get deals and initiatives done. Interest in long‑term growth within private equity. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Blackford Capital offers a competitive compensation package designed to reward performance and align incentives across the team: Base salary of $115,000 – $145,000. Performance‑based bonus eligibility. Participation in the firm‑wide carry pool — every Blackford employee participates in long‑term incentive opportunities tied to firm and fund performance. 401(k) with employer match. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage (90% employer paid). Generous paid time off and paid holidays. Professional development support and growth opportunities. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Blackford Capital is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable laws. Blackford Capital·Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI· #J-18808-Ljbffr