Private Debt Associate - Direct Lending & Special Situations
Selby Jennings, Chicago, IL, United States
A leading private credit investment platform is expanding its team in Chicago to support significant growth and continued activity in the primary market. The firm manages multiple strategies across the capital structure, including a flagship senior credit fund and an opportunistic credit strategy offering structured capital solutions.
The Associate will play a key role in evaluating credit‑oriented investment opportunities in a true buy‑side, principal‑investing capacity. This role provides exposure across multiple strategies, lean deal teams, and direct interaction with senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct fundamental credit analysis and in‑depth company due diligence
Monitor existing portfolio investments and analyze financial performance
Build and evaluate complex three‑statement financial models
Draft detailed investment memoranda
Present opportunities to senior investment professionals
Lead special projects in collaboration with other business units
Supervise analysts as needed
Support legal documentation and closing processes
Other responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
2-4 years of relevant credit investing experience (investment banking, private credit manager, BDC, high‑yield/leveraged loan fund, etc.)
Strong technical skills and credit training; experience analyzing leveraged loans, high‑yield bonds, distressed situations, and private debt (senior and junior)
Strong academic performance (MBA not required)
Ability to perform industry research and articulate investment theses clearly
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
High attention to detail, strong work ethic, and resourceful problem‑solving approach
Genuine interest in private markets investing
Role Highlights
Opportunity to invest across the capital structure through two complementary strategies
Clear path for internal growth and promotions
Flat organizational structure with frequent senior‑level exposure
High‑responsibility role within lean underwriting teams
Collaborative, team‑oriented culture with cross‑functional engagement
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The Associate will play a key role in evaluating credit‑oriented investment opportunities in a true buy‑side, principal‑investing capacity. This role provides exposure across multiple strategies, lean deal teams, and direct interaction with senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct fundamental credit analysis and in‑depth company due diligence
Monitor existing portfolio investments and analyze financial performance
Build and evaluate complex three‑statement financial models
Draft detailed investment memoranda
Present opportunities to senior investment professionals
Lead special projects in collaboration with other business units
Supervise analysts as needed
Support legal documentation and closing processes
Other responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
2-4 years of relevant credit investing experience (investment banking, private credit manager, BDC, high‑yield/leveraged loan fund, etc.)
Strong technical skills and credit training; experience analyzing leveraged loans, high‑yield bonds, distressed situations, and private debt (senior and junior)
Strong academic performance (MBA not required)
Ability to perform industry research and articulate investment theses clearly
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
High attention to detail, strong work ethic, and resourceful problem‑solving approach
Genuine interest in private markets investing
Role Highlights
Opportunity to invest across the capital structure through two complementary strategies
Clear path for internal growth and promotions
Flat organizational structure with frequent senior‑level exposure
High‑responsibility role within lean underwriting teams
Collaborative, team‑oriented culture with cross‑functional engagement
#J-18808-Ljbffr