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# Managing Director, Private Credit with a Global Fund – Chicago, IL


Role Overview for Managing Director, Private Credit with a Global Fund – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier global investment fund in their search for a highly accomplished and strategic Managing Director to lead their Private Credit team in Chicago. This is a pivotal leadership position within a multi-billion dollar platform renowned for its sophisticated investment strategies and consistent, market-leading returns. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the firm’s continued expansion in the direct lending and special situations space, responsible for driving investment strategy, originating and executing complex transactions, and managing a high-performing team.
This role offers a unique opportunity to operate with significant autonomy while leveraging the resources and reputation of a global institution. You will be tasked with deploying capital across the capital structure, primarily in senior secured, untrenched, and second lien loans to middle-market companies, often in sponsor-backed transactions.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned private credit professional with an exceptional track record, a deep network of relationships, and the leadership acumen to inspire a team and represent the fund with integrity and authority in the market. You will be instrumental in shaping the portfolio, managing risk, and ultimately delivering superior risk-adjusted returns for the fund’s limited partners. This is not just a role; it is a chance to define the next chapter of a world-class investment platform.
Key Responsibilities of Managing Director, Private Credit with a Global Fund – Chicago, IL
As a Managing Director, you will have a broad and impactful mandate, encompassing the full lifecycle of investment management. Your responsibilities will be both strategic and hands-on, requiring a blend of market foresight, analytical rigor, and leadership excellence.
Deal Origination & Sourcing:

Proactively source, identify, and evaluate a robust pipeline of proprietary investment opportunities through an extensive network of relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks, M&A advisors, and company executives.
Serve as a primary face of the fund in the Chicago and greater Midwest market, cultivating and maintaining long-term, high-value relationships.
Lead initial screening and qualification of potential deals, ensuring alignment with the fund’s investment thesis, return hurdles, and risk parameters.

Transaction Execution & Due Diligence:

Lead all aspects of the investment process from inception to closing, including comprehensive due diligence, financial modeling, structuring, and negotiation.
Oversee the creation of detailed investment memorandums, presenting compelling and well-supported investment theses to the Investment Committee.
Demonstrate deep expertise in structuring and negotiating complex credit agreements, term sheets, and other legal documentation to optimize terms and mitigate risk.
Manage and coordinate external resources, including legal counsel, accountants, and industry consultants, to ensure a thorough and efficient diligence process.

Portfolio Management & Monitoring:

Provide active oversight and strategic direction for a portfolio of existing investments.
Monitor the financial performance, covenant compliance, and strategic initiatives of portfolio companies, identifying potential issues and opportunities early.
Engage with management teams and private equity sponsors to provide value-added insights and support, acting as a trusted partner.
Lead the management of amendments, restructurings, and workouts for any underperforming assets, working to preserve capital and maximize recovery.

Leadership & Team Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of investment professionals, including Vice Presidents, Associates, and Analysts.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and accountability.
Champion professional development within the team, providing regular feedback, guidance, and opportunities for growth.
Contribute to the strategic direction of the global private credit platform, sharing market insights and collaborating with colleagues across other offices.

Requirements for the Managing Director, Private Credit with a Global Fund – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in credit investing and a proven ability to lead. The qualifications below are essential for success in this demanding and rewarding role.
Professional Experience:

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in private credit, direct lending, leveraged finance, special situations, or a closely related field within a top-tier investment firm, BDC, or investment bank.
A demonstrable and verifiable track record of leading the origination, structuring, execution, and management of a significant volume of successful middle-market credit investments.
Extensive experience serving as a deal lead, with primary responsibility for managing the entire transaction lifecycle and presenting to an Investment Committee.
Prior experience managing and mentoring junior investment professionals is required.

Technical Skills & Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field from a top-tier university is required.
An MBA from a leading business school and/or a CFA designation is highly preferred.
Expert-level proficiency in financial analysis, LBO modeling, valuation, and credit underwriting. Deep understanding of various debt instruments and capital structures.
Mastery of legal documentation and an ability to lead negotiations on complex credit agreements and term sheets.

Personal Attributes:

An established, deep, and active network of relationships within the private equity and intermediary community, particularly in the Midwest.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the gravitas and credibility to represent the fund at the highest levels.
A strong commercial instinct combined with a disciplined, risk-focused investment judgment.
An entrepreneurial mindset, with the drive and ambition to build and scale a business.
Unquestionable integrity, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative, team-oriented disposition. The growth of the private credit market demands professionals who embody these core values.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This reflects the seniority and importance of the Managing Director role.
Highly Competitive Compensation
An attractive package including a significant base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial carried interest component, providing direct participation in the fund’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with low employee contributions. Access to wellness programs, mental health support, and a fitness stipend.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and firm holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Parental Leave
An industry-leading, fully paid parental leave policy for all new parents.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continued education, industry conferences, and professional certifications to support your career growth.
Modern Workplace
A state-of-the-art office in a prime Chicago location, equipped with the latest technology and amenities.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the recruitment process for this confidential search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. Due to the high volume of applications, only those candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted.
To apply, please send your application materials directly to our recruitment team. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Alternative Asset Management practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your background aligns with this premier opportunity.