Institutional Client Group Relationship Manager

U.S. Bank • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

At U.S. Bank, we’re on a journey to do our best. Helping the customers and businesses we serve to make better and smarter financial decisions and enabling the communities we support to grow and succeed. We believe it takes all of us to bring our shared ambition to life, and each person is unique in their potential. A career with U.S. Bank gives you a wide, ever-growing range of opportunities to discover what makes you thrive at every stage of your career. Try new things, learn new skills and discover what you excel at—all from Day One. Job Description The Relationship Manager – Private Equity Coverage is responsible for developing, managing, and expanding relationships with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. The role focuses on originating and executing leveraged finance and corporate banking solutions, partnering closely with internal product teams to deliver comprehensive financing strategies. The Relationship Manager serves as a trusted advisor to sponsors, driving revenue growth while maintaining disciplined risk management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus.
• 10–15+ years of experience in commercial banking, leveraged finance, private equity coverage, or sponsor-focused credit roles.
• Demonstrated experience originating and managing leveraged finance or sponsor-backed transactions.
• Proven ability to manage complex client relationships at senior decision-making levels.
• Deep understanding of private equity business models, sponsor structures, and transaction lifecycle.
• Strong credit judgment with experience in financial analysis, underwriting, and deal structuring.
• Excellent relationship management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present to senior management and clients.
• Strategic mindset with a track record of driving revenue growth while balancing risk and return.
• High degree of professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, transaction-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage senior-level relationships with private equity firms and financial sponsors across the middle market and large-cap segments.
• Originate leveraged finance, corporate loan, and related banking opportunities for sponsor-backed transactions, including acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancings, and growth financings.
• Lead deal structuring, credit analysis, and transaction execution in coordination with Credit Risk Management, Portfolio Management, and Capital Markets partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring a consistent, high-quality client experience.
• Oversee complex credit requests and presentations, ensuring alignment with risk appetite, underwriting standards, and return objectives.
• Collaborate with internal product partners (Capital Markets, Derivatives, Investment Banking, etc.) to deliver integrated client solutions.
• Monitor industry trends and sponsor strategies to proactively identify opportunities and potential risks.
• Support the development and execution of sponsor coverage and business development strategies to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market conditions, leverage trends, documentation standards, and competitive dynamics.
• Uphold bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while fostering a strong risk and compliance culture.

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• Basic term and optional term life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Pregnancy disability and parental leave
• 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan
• Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)
• Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities
• Adoption assistance
• Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees