Sponsor Solutions – Principal

SUMMARY

Working as a member of the Sponsor Solutions team and its Elevate strategy, focused on private equity seeding and stakes transactions, the Principal will engage with best-in-class private equity firm founders leading small and emerging private equity firms in the Elevate portfolio. The Principal will assist firm founders with all aspects of new firm growth/development, including strategy, capital formation, and operations. The Principal serves a vital role on the Elevate team as leader of strategic support services for founders and will be the primary conduit for founders to access the broader resources of GCM Grosvenor and its subject matter experts across functions.

As an onsite/hybrid employee, you are expected to be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

RESPONSIBILITIES           

The individual will be involved in the following critical activities:

• Maintain active involvement with investment portfolio companies, including overseeing value creation initiatives, interaction with internal functional experts and third-party vendor resources, and monitoring investment performance, including:
  • Engage with firm founders on LP relations and capital formation efforts.
  • Assist in development and implementation of operational best-practices, procedures, and policies.
  • Prepare and maintain up-to-date market research on the middle-market seeding/stakes macro environment, competitive landscape, relevant private equity sectors, and market trends.
  • Liaise with internal compliance, accounting, tax and audit teams to review and analyze financial and investment information for fund investments, including but not limited to audited and unaudited financial statements, quarterly reports, capital calls and distribution statements.
  • Work with internal investor relations and marketing teams to enhance investor reporting and communication, including monthly portfolio reviews and pipeline updates for investors.
  • Develop and foster vendor relationships across categories to support firm founder development.
  • Support fundraising efforts for Sponsor Solutions separate account mandates and commingled funds.
• Continually develop and “own” strategic support services suite of activities such that founders can be well-resourced across the lifecycle of firm maturity and development.
• Mentor junior investment team with respect to development and implementation of portfolio value creation initiatives.
• Serve as a thought partner to Elevate Co-Heads on ongoing strategy and operations matters for Elevate and the Sponsor Solutions platform more broadly.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal experience and critical competencies for the role include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree with superior academic performance required. MBA or CFA preferred.
• 7 - 10 years of professional experience in management/strategy & operations consulting or alternative asset management operations. Dedicated experience and strong interest in financial services preferred.
• Superior analytical and technical capabilities, strong financial analysis, writing and presentation skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate thoughts in a clear and concise manner to both clients and staff through written correspondence, presentations and in meetings.
• Critical thinker who can identify solutions as problems arise. Champion creativity through personal example and develops these qualities across the organization.
• Ability to work both independently and lead entire processes on behalf of the Sponsor Solutions team.
• Strong attention to detail and concern for quality and accuracy of final product (and ability to balance that concern with deadlines).
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment. Flexible to various changing working conditions based on the priorities of senior management.
• Excellent work ethic, high degree of professionalism and integrity, and commitment to team in a goal-oriented environment.
• Outstanding organization, decision making and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a cross functional team environment.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and desire to work for a dynamic and successful organization.
• The ability to recognize and maintain the requirements of confidentiality and discretion.

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart and successful colleagues. He or she will enjoy being part of an organization focused on excellence and will be a naturally collaborative person who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, he or she will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to exercise discretion and judgment.