Associate/Senior Associate - Private Equity

Description

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 4 days per week in office)    

About the Role

Monroe Capital is seeking a highly driven and hands-on Associate/Senior Associate to assist with value creation across our portfolio. This individual will serve as a bridge between investment execution and operational transformation, working directly with management teams and Boards to accelerate growth, improve profitability, and enhance cash flow performance.

As part of a lean and collaborative team, the Associate/Senior Associate will play an outsized role in driving portfolio results, supporting investments, and reinforcing Monroe’s culture of analytical rigor, transparency, and action orientation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with management teams to design and execute strategic and operational value-creation plans.
• Lead key initiatives that deliver measurable EBITDA and cash-flow improvements across assigned portfolio companies.
• Develop and monitor detailed financial models, KPI dashboards, and performance tracking systems.
• Support liquidity management, including monitoring of 13-week cash flows and working capital improvement initiatives
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and mentoring of key portfolio executives and operational leaders.
• Provide structured updates to Monroe’s leadership and investment committees, ensuring clear visibility into progress, challenges, and outcomes.
• Contribute to a flat, collegial team environment characterized by accountability and shared success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience, including at least 1-2 years in private equity or principal investing. Prior experience in investment banking, strategy & operations consulting, or turnaround advisory preferred. 
• Track record and interest working on operational transformations, carve-outs, or turnaround initiatives.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to connect data-driven insights to real-world operating decisions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with management teams, boards, and investors.
• Hands-on, low-ego leader comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
• Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier institution.
• Based in Chicago with willingness to travel to portfolio companies (15-25%).

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Stationary Work: Able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing computer work, phone communication, and administrative tasks.
• Movement: Occasionally moves about the office to access files, supplies, meeting rooms, or other work areas. 
• Reaching/Positioning: Occasionally positions self to access shelves, organize materials, or retrieve office supplies. 
• Computer and Equipment Use: Regularly operates a computer and other standard office productivity equipment (e.g., phone, printer, copier). 
• Communication: Able to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and through electronic methods as required to perform essential job duties. 

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. 

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $100,000-150,000 plus performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits package (including medical, dental, 401(k), and paid time off). Actual compensation will vary based on experience and qualifications. 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.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12–24 months, the Associate/Senior Associate will have:

• Delivered measurable EBITDA and cash-flow improvement across multiple portfolio companies.
• Installed actionable KPI dashboards and management reporting systems.
• Assist with hiring and development of key operational leaders in the portfolio.
• Strengthened Monroe’s reputation for disciplined, hands-on value creation.

About Monroe C