Senior Business Development in Asset Based Lending in Chicago or Midwest w a major Private Credit Firm

LibertasGroup•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Senior Business Development Professional will develop commercial relationships, originate asset-based lending opportunities, and provide financing solutions to middle-market and commercial clients for the Asset Based Lending team at a major private credit firm. The role focuses on generating new business through direct origination, financial sponsors, and referral partners, including banks, private equity firms, investment bankers, law firms, accounting firms, and other intermediaries. The position is responsible for driving business growth, managing transaction execution, building strategic relationships, and expanding the firm's presence across the commercial finance industry. It offers the opportunity to work on complex financing transactions while contributing to the growth of a transforming business platform. The role is based in Chicago or other Midwest cities.

Requirements

10–15 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, asset-based lending, or specialty finance.
Proven track record of originating and closing asset-based lending transactions.
Established network of referral sources, financial sponsors, and industry relationships.
Experience underwriting, structuring, and closing senior secured revolving and term lending products.
Strong understanding of asset-based lending collateral types, including accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment.
Ability to communicate and demonstrate a non-bank lender's value proposition, including speed, certainty, and customized financing solutions.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Strong business development and relationship management skills, with a proven ability to originate new deals.
Deep understanding of asset-based lending structures, credit fundamentals, and risk considerations.
Proficiency in Salesforce, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, LinkedIn, and video conferencing platforms.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing larger, complex, and/or syndicated lending structures, particularly for senior-level candidates.
Master's degree or MBA.

Responsibilities

Establish and achieve quarterly and annual funding volume, fee income, and growth objectives.
Build and maintain a pipeline of opportunities through direct origination and referral partners.
Develop and manage relationships with financial sponsors, banks, accounting firms, private equity firms, investment bankers, law firms, consultants, and other intermediaries.
Cultivate lender-partner relationships to identify syndication and deal-sharing opportunities.
Promote the firm's brand and value proposition across the commercial finance industry.
Originate, structure, and close asset-based lending, co-lending, and syndicated transactions.
Evaluate financial information to assess creditworthiness, collateral, transaction structure, pricing, and strategic fit.
Prepare pre-screen memoranda and present transactions to underwriting teams.
Lead proposal development and negotiations in collaboration with credit, underwriting, and legal teams.
Manage transaction execution, including counterparty negotiations and ongoing communications.
Identify cross-selling opportunities across other business divisions.
Maintain relationships with portfolio clients after closing to support future financing requirements.
Represent the firm at industry events and conferences to develop business and strengthen market presence.
Collaborate with marketing teams on go-to-market messaging and origination strategies.
Monitor market, economic, and industry developments that affect clients and credit structures.
Manage the business development pipeline and performance against established KPIs.
Track new business volume, proposal conversion, portfolio yield, and return on investment from sales activities.
Manage sales-related expenses in accordance with approved budgets and company policies.