Private Equity Associate
Chicago, IL
Start Date: Immediate / Near-Term
About Arbor Investments
Arbor Investments is a specialized private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in premier companies across the food, beverage, and related industries. Founded in 1999, Arbor has offices in Chicago and Palm Beach and has been recognized as a three-time winner of Buyouts Magazine’s Deal of the Year award.
Arbor takes an active, hands-on approach to value creation. In addition to partnering closely with management teams, Arbor supports its portfolio companies with in-house functional expertise across marketing and branding, human resources, supply chain and operations, legal, IT, accounting and finance, and other key disciplines. The investment team works directly with these resources to help portfolio companies execute strategic and operational initiatives that drive growth and performance.
The Opportunity
The Private Equity Associate will play a key role across the full investment lifecycle, including transaction evaluation, due diligence, execution, financing, and post-close value creation. This is a high-exposure role with meaningful responsibility and direct interaction with senior investment professionals, portfolio company management teams, operating partners, and Arbor’s internal functional experts.
What You Will Do
- Review and evaluate new investment opportunities
- Build and analyze financial models and underwriting materials
- Manage due diligence workstreams and support transaction execution for platform and add-on acquisitions
- Participate in financings, refinancings, and sale processes
- Support portfolio company and fund initiatives through research, analysis, and execution support
- Work with senior leaders, operating partners, and internal functional experts on post-close operational and strategic initiatives
- Gain direct exposure to portfolio company strategy and operations through board meetings and strategic planning sessions
What We Are Looking For
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or a related field
- Prior M&A transaction experience strongly preferred
- Food and beverage experience preferred, but not required; a strong interest in the food and beverage industry is required
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound investment judgment
- Strong financial modeling, writing, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- High degree of initiative, ownership, and ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Finance and/or accounting degree preferred, but not required
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn
Why Arbor
This role offers the opportunity to work on a broad range of investing and value creation activities within a specialized private equity platform. Associates at Arbor gain meaningful transaction responsibility, direct portfolio company exposure, and the ability to work alongside experienced investment professionals and operating resources in a highly collaborative environment.
Location
This role is in-person and based in Chicago, IL.
Application Instructions
To apply, please include your resume and preferred start date.
Contact
Nate Garside - Executive Recruiter
Email: garside@arborpic.com
