Vice President/Associate Director, Direct Lending (Originations, Underwriting & Portfolio Management)

Fidelity•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Fidelity Investments established a new Chicago-based lending team in 2021 to pursue private credit investing. Our leveraged finance platform targets middle-market private equity backed businesses seeking financing for LBO’s, acquisitions, dividends and other investments. We are looking for investor-minded, entrepreneurial, and accomplished candidates looking to join a growing team, gain significant experience and responsibility quickly, and help leverage the Fidelity name in this growing market. The Role Based in Chicago, this is an opportunity to join a team for the newly formed middle market direct lending strategy of Fidelity’s High Income & Alternatives group. This is a new important strategy for Fidelity where you will be a key member of the investment team. This individual will be responsible for supporting senior debt origination, underwriting and portfolio management capabilities within the broader direct lending group. This includes support of the firm’s effort to construct and lead high quality, diversified senior loan portfolios that exceed market risk-adjusted returns, and evaluation and execution of financing opportunities in a manner that balances strong credit disciplines with a positive customer relationship approach. Success in this role will require excellent work ethic, a self-starter mentality, and the ability to work independently, while also collaborating within a growing team. Successful Vice Presidents/Associate Directors will be primary candidates for promotions as the team continues to grow.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field required, advanced degree a plus
6-10 years of experience in leverage finance, preferably with a top tier alternative lending platform
Advanced financial modeling skills and comfort dealing with a variety of capital structures
Leadership skills and ability to think strategically and creatively
Ability to create compelling, thoughtful, and creative presentation materials
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Collaborative and proactive personality

Responsibilities

Lead and actively contribute to all aspects of origination, due diligence, and relationship/portfolio management.
Lead underwriting processes, which includes analyzing and summarizing all due diligence materials related to the credit quality of businesses, specifically the analysis of the company’s historical and present financial condition, products and/or services, sales and marketing strategies, customer and supplier base, industry dynamics, competitive position, management team, and financial projections.
Actively communicate with investment bankers, company management and private equity sponsors.
Work with internal and external legal counsel regarding investment documentation.
Become a subject matter expert on key private credit strategies and an advocate for the firm.
Monitor trends in the market and propose solutions in response.