Private Equity VP – Lower-Middle Market Industrials

Job Description

Private Equity Experienced VP | Selby Jennings

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at a Chicago-based private equity firm, located in Chicago, IL. The firm specializes in lower-middle market investments within the industrials sector, operating as a lean and highly acquisitive team with a proven track record of success. As the Vice President, you will play a pivotal role in the firm’s investment strategy and execution, working closely with senior leadership. This position offers a unique opportunity to directly shape the future of the firm through your contributions across the full private equity investment cycle.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Chicago, IL

• Team: Works closely with the senior leadership team within a lean, highly acquisitive firm.
• Mission: To drive investment strategy and execution, participating in the full private equity investment cycle for lower-middle market industrials investments.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Investment Analysis: Lead comprehensive due diligence efforts, conduct thorough financial analysis, and perform in-depth market research for potential investment opportunities within the lower-middle market industrials sector.
• Investment Strategy: Develop robust investment theses, construct detailed financial models, and assess the operational potential of target companies to inform critical investment decisions.
• Value Creation: Drive significant value creation initiatives across portfolio companies, engaging in strategic planning, implementing performance improvement strategies, and enhancing operational efficiency post-acquisition.
• Strategic Collaboration: Collaborate directly with the senior leadership team to continuously refine the firm’s overarching investment strategy and proactively evaluate new market opportunities for growth.
• External Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with a network of industry professionals, external advisors, and other key stakeholders, fostering partnerships critical to the firm’s success.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in finance, business, or a related field, providing the foundational knowledge required for a Vice President in private equity. This role is central to a Chicago-based firm specializing in lower-middle market industrials investments.
• Experience: Demonstrate a minimum of 4-6 years of private equity experience, specifically with a reputable lower middle market firm, complemented by 1-3 years of M&A Investment Banking experience from a middle market or lower middle market bank. Related transaction advisory consulting experience will also be considered.
• Skills: Exhibit superior financial analysis, modeling, budgeting, and forecasting skills, which will be assessed via a modeling test. Additionally, possess excellent interpersonal skills for collaborative team work and stakeholder engagement, coupled with an exceptional work ethic essential for a lean, acquisitive environment.
• Bonus: An MBA is preferred for candidates seeking to further their strategic impact within the firm. Furthermore, a prior background or demonstrated interest in sectors such as industrials, manufacturing, and/or distribution is highly valued.