Private Equity Associate

Join to apply for the Private Equity Associate role at Monroe Capital LLCJoin to apply for the Private Equity Associate role at Monroe Capital LLCGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Position Overview:The Monroe Capital Independent Sponsor Team is seeking an experienced Private Equity Associate to join our investment team. You will be joining a fast-growing team with a mandate to actively manage its existing equity portfolio of >20 companies to profitable realizations while deploying capital in new, lower-middle-market investments sourced through its extensive network of independent sponsor relationships. The position will be based in Chicago, where the firm is headquartered.Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionPosition Overview:The Monroe Capital Independent Sponsor Team is seeking an experienced Private Equity Associate to join our investment team. You will be joining a fast-growing team with a mandate to actively manage its existing equity portfolio of >20 companies to profitable realizations while deploying capital in new, lower-middle-market investments sourced through its extensive network of independent sponsor relationships. The position will be based in Chicago, where the firm is headquartered.This is a two-year, pre-business school Associate position based in Monroe’s Chicago headquarters. The Associate will serve as the junior member of a lean deal team, gaining hands-on experience across all facets of private equity investing, with significant exposure to senior investment professionals and independent sponsors.We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with 1–2 years of investment banking or private equity experience, ideally with M&A or leveraged finance exposure, to be a key player on the team. As a cornerstone of the team, the Associate will play an integral role in all aspects of the investment process from origination and diligence to working with portfolio company management teams to drive the value creation process. As a small team, we rely on each member of the deal team to play an outsized role and pride ourselves on the broad exposure and opportunities for development and growth.Duties & Responsibilities:Investment Execution and DiligenceParticipate in all stages of the investment process, from screening and financial modeling to diligence and closing.Conduct in-depth industry, market, and competitive analyses.Build and maintain detailed financial models, including operating projections, LBO analyses, and sensitivity scenarios.Draft internal investment memos and presentation materials for investment committee review.Assist with deal structuring, documentation, and coordination with legal and third-party advisorsPortfolio ManagementMonitor company performance and maintain regular reporting, including internal valuations, dashboards, and portfolio reviews.Work closely with independent sponsors and portfolio company leadership on operational initiatives and exit planning.Oversee the development and execution of value creation plans for portfolio companies, including financial KPI tracking, growth initiatives, and strategic projects.Firm Iitiatives and Internal SupportContribute to fundraising and marketing efforts by preparing presentation materials and firm collateral.Assist in evaluating sponsor relationships and sourcing efforts.Help maintain internal processes, knowledge bases, and reporting packages for Monroe leadership.Support a collegial and non-hierarchical senior team.RequirementsQualifications:2+ years of experience in investment banking or private equity, preferably with M&A experienceStrong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively articulate investment recommendations and complex financial conceptsAbility to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlinesSelf-motivated and proactive, with a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and growStrong accounting, finance, modeling, analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a high proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointBachelor's degree with a competitive GPA from an academically respected universityWillingness to work in a flat team environment with dynamic rolesIntellectual curiosity and commitment to professional developmentPhysical RequirementsSitting: Frequently (approximately 70–80% of the workday)Required for computer work, phone communication, and administrative tasks.Standing and Walking: Occasionally (approximately 20-30% of the workday)May be required for filing, retrieving documents, or walking between departments or meeting rooms.May be required to walk between Monroe offices located on different floors in the buildingMay be required to use a step-stool to access suppliesLifting/Carrying: OccasionallyMust be able to lift and carry items such as office supplies, boxes of paper, or small equipment (typically up to 20 pounds).Reaching/Bending: OccasionallyRequired when organizing supplies, accessing low or high shelves, or setting up meeting rooms.Typing/Keyboard Use: FrequentlyDaily use of computer, keyboard, mouse and other office equipment is required.Vision and Hearing: FrequentlyAdequate vision for reading reports, emails, and spreadsheets.Adequate hearing for phone conversations and verbal communication in meetings.Speaking: FrequentlyMust be able to communicate clearly with staff, vendors, and external pensation: It is expected that the base salary range for this position will be $90,000-$145,000. Actual salaries may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications for the role. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial and / or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick time and parental leave) dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, the employee will be in an ‘at-will position’ and the Firm reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance, Firm or individual department / team performance and market factors.Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.About Monroe CapitalMonroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”) is a premier asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, alternative credit solutions, structured credit, real estate and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe’s platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality “alpha” returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and has 11 locations throughout the United States, Asia and Australia.Monroe has been recognized by both its peers and investors with various awards including Private Debt Investor as the 2024 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Year, Americas and 2023 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Decade; Inc.’s 2024 Founder-Friendly Investors List; Global M&A Network as the 2023 Lower Mid-Markets Lender of the Year, U.S.A.; DealCatalyst as the 2022 Best CLO Manager of the Year; Korean Economic Daily as the 2022 Best Performance in Private Debt – Mid Cap; Creditflux as the 2021 Best U.S. Direct Lending Fund; and Pension Bridge as the 2020 Private Credit Strategy of the Year. 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Created: 2025-09-17