Associate/Senior Associate - Private Equity

Monroe Capital, a Chicago-based private equity and private credit investment firm, is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Private Equity portfolio operations team. The position is hybrid, requiring four days per week in the Chicago office.

Monroe Capital manages over $20 billion in assets across middle market lending, real estate, and private equity strategies. The Associate will work directly with portfolio company management teams to drive value creation and operational improvements across the firm's PE-backed investments.

Key responsibilities include:

- Partnering with portfolio company management teams to develop and execute value-creation strategies

- Leading EBITDA improvement and cash flow optimization initiatives across portfolio companies

- Developing financial models, KPI dashboards, and performance tracking systems

- Supporting liquidity management and working capital optimization projects

- Recruiting and onboarding portfolio company executives including C-suite and senior operational leaders

- Providing regular updates and reporting to the Monroe Capital investment leadership team

- Traveling 15-25% to portfolio company locations as required

The ideal candidate brings 3+ years of professional experience, with 1-2 years specifically in private equity operations, combined with a strong foundation from investment banking, management consulting, or turnaround advisory. A bachelor's degree from a top-tier institution is required. The successful candidate will have demonstrated financial acumen, a hands-on leadership style, and the ability to drive measurable operational results within 12-24 months of engagement.

Compensation ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 base salary, plus performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.