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# Head of Private Equity Acquisitions with an Institutional Fund – Los Angeles, CA


Role Overview for Head of Private Equity Acquisitions with an Institutional Fund – Los Angeles, CA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, multi-billion dollar institutional investment fund in its search for a Head of Private Equity Acquisitions. This is a career-defining executive leadership opportunity based in the vibrant financial hub of Los Angeles, California. We are seeking a seasoned, strategic, and highly motivated investment professional to spearhead the firm’s direct private equity acquisition strategy. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with an impeccable track record of sourcing, executing, and closing complex transactions that generate top-quartile returns.
Our client is a distinguished institution with a long-term investment horizon and a mandate to deploy significant capital into controlling stakes in middle-market companies across North America. With a reputation for being a value-added partner to management teams, the fund focuses on businesses with strong fundamentals and clear pathways for growth. This role is not merely transactional; it is about identifying and underwriting the future leaders of industry and actively participating in their long-term success. The Head of Private Equity Acquisitions will be a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer and playing a crucial role in shaping the firm’s investment direction and legacy for years to come.
This position offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial autonomy and institutional-grade resources. You will be empowered to build and refine the acquisitions platform, cultivate a world-class team, and pursue opportunities with creativity and conviction. You will be the primary architect of the firm’s deal origination engine, responsible for identifying compelling investment theses and translating them into a robust pipeline of proprietary opportunities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment and will possess the gravitas and expertise to serve as the face of the firm in the competitive M&A marketplace. This is a chance to make a profound impact on a significant portfolio, mentor the next generation of investment talent, and share in the substantial economic rewards of success.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Private Equity Acquisitions with an Institutional Fund – Los Angeles, CA
The Head of Private Equity Acquisitions will have end-to-end responsibility for the investment lifecycle. This encompasses a broad range of strategic and tactical duties, requiring a seamless blend of market insight, analytical rigor, and leadership acumen.
Investment Strategy & Deal Origination
In collaboration with the Investment Committee, define, refine, and execute the fund’s investment strategy. Systematically map target industries, develop investment theses, and proactively build a proprietary pipeline of investment opportunities. Cultivate and maintain an extensive network of relationships with investment bankers, business brokers, corporate executives, attorneys, and other intermediaries to ensure privileged access to high-quality deal flow.
Transaction Execution Leadership
Lead every facet of the deal execution process from initial screening to final closing. This includes initial offer structuring, drafting and negotiating Letters of Intent (LOIs), and overseeing all due diligence streams. You will be the central point of command, ensuring a thorough and efficient evaluation of every opportunity.
Comprehensive Due Diligence Management
Quarterback the entire due diligence process. This involves managing internal teams and a host of external advisors, including top-tier legal counsel, Big Four accounting firms for financial and tax diligence, and specialized consultants for commercial, operational, and technology assessments. Your role is to synthesize vast amounts of information into a cohesive and insightful analysis of risks and opportunities.
Financial Modeling & Valuation Oversight
Supervise the creation of sophisticated and dynamic LBO models, discounted cash flow (DCF) analyses, public and private comparable company valuations, and precedent transaction analyses. Ensure all financial modeling is robust, accurate, and reflects a deep understanding of the target company’s business drivers and potential value creation levers.
Negotiation and Structuring
Act as the lead negotiator on all key transaction terms. This includes not only purchase price but also the critical legal and economic terms within definitive purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and management equity plans. You will be responsible for structuring transactions in a way that optimizes returns while mitigating risk.
Investment Committee Process
Author and present detailed investment memoranda and presentations to the firm’s Investment Committee. You must be able to articulate a compelling and data-driven investment narrative, clearly outlining the strategic rationale, key diligence findings, risk factors, mitigation strategies, and projected returns (IRR, MOIC).
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing team of acquisition professionals, including Vice Presidents, Associates, and Analysts. Foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, analytical excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Be a leader who develops talent and builds a sustainable and successful team for the future.
Post-Acquisition Integration
Work in close partnership with the portfolio operations team to ensure a seamless transition of newly acquired companies into the portfolio. Contribute to the development of the initial 100-day plan and the long-term value creation strategy.
Requirements for the Head of Private Equity Acquisitions with an Institutional Fund – Los Angeles, CA
The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a distinguished career in private equity and a passion for building great companies. The requirements for this role are stringent, reflecting its seniority and importance to the fund.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in private equity, with a significant portion spent in a leadership role. A verifiable track record of leading numerous successful middle-market M&A transactions from sourcing through to exit is mandatory. Experience at a reputable private equity firm, institutional investor, or family office is essential.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related quantitative field from a top-tier university is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a globally recognized, elite business school is strongly preferred.
Technical & Analytical Expertise
Mastery of advanced financial analysis, valuation theory, and complex LBO modeling. A deep and intuitive understanding of deal structuring, including debt and equity financing. Comprehensive knowledge of legal documentation and the nuances of M&A negotiations.
Leadership & Management Skills
Demonstrated experience in building, managing, and inspiring investment teams. Must possess exceptional leadership presence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to motivate professionals to achieve a high standard of excellence.
Network & Sourcing Capability
A robust and deeply embedded personal network within the investment community. The candidate must bring a proven ability to generate proprietary, off-market deal flow.
Communication Skills
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills. The ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and persuasive arguments for diverse audiences, including C-suite executives, investment committees, and limited partners.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards. A strong work ethic, intellectual horsepower, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset. Must be a natural collaborator who works effectively across the organization. Sound business judgment and the ability to make decisions under pressure are critical.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining exceptional talent by offering a compensation and benefits package that is among the best in the industry. We believe in aligning incentives and rewarding performance.
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus designed to reward individual and firm success.
Long-Term Incentive
A substantial carried interest allocation in the fund, providing a direct stake in the value created and offering the potential for significant long-term wealth generation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. The package includes access to top-tier wellness programs, mental health resources, and a generous gym membership subsidy.
Retirement Planning
An attractive 401(k) retirement plan featuring a significant and immediate company match to help you build a secure future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, comprehensive paid parental leave, and a full suite of paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A dedicated annual budget for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences, specialized training programs, and continuing education courses.
Premier Work Environment
A modern, state-of-the-art office located in a prime Los Angeles location. You will be part of a collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and respectful corporate culture with regular team-building events, offsites, and social gatherings.
Additional Perks
Relocation assistance is available for exceptional candidates. Other benefits include commuter support, daily catered lunches, and a fully stocked kitchen with premium snacks and beverages.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary private equity leader with the experience and drive to lead a premier acquisitions platform, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant transaction experience and leadership accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in financial services recruitment. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Private Equity Recruiters practice area page. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.