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

Job Description:

Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

Summary

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.

Responsibilities

The Vice President/Associate Director will lead and actively contribute to all aspects of origination, due diligence, and relationship/portfolio management. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading 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
• Working with internal and external legal counsel regarding investment documentation
• Becoming a subject matter expert on key private credit strategies and an advocate for the firm
• Monitoring trends in the market and proposing solutions in response

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who have the following characteristics:

• 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

The Group

Fidelity’s High Income & Alternatives division brings deep investment expertise across non-investment-grade corporate credit, emerging markets debt, and real estate debt. Our platform spans the full capital structure, offering investment solutions in high-yield bonds, leveraged loans, convertible securities, and equities, with capabilities across both public and private markets. In addition to our core offerings, we provide a range of specialized strategies, including tactical asset allocation, structured credit, and liquid alternatives arbitrage strategies.

Our division is distinguished by a fully integrated, highly experienced team that leverages Fidelity’s robust research platform and advanced risk management capabilities. Together, we focus on delivering innovative, adaptable investment solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients and institutional partners.

#FidelityAlts

Fidelity’s Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.

Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate’s relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.   

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home.  These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career.  Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.

Please be advised that Fidelity’s business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

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