Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Blackford Capital is a Michigan-based private equity firm focused on control buyouts of lower middle market industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and business services companies. The Senior Analyst will own a portfolio of companies, lead operational improvement and add-on M&A activities, and support new platform investments through financial modeling, diligence, and transaction execution.
Responsibilities
- Own and manage workstreams across your assigned portfolio companies, partnering directly with management teams
- Execute 100-day integration plans, onboard Blackford processes (such as standardized monthly financial reporting and board mobilization), and lead value creation playbooks and workshops (such as indirect procurement spend analysis)
- Gather, track, and analyze monthly financial reporting packages, KPIs, and operational data to surface performance trends and intervention opportunities
- Coordinate data collection, benchmarking, financial updates, and content preparation for board materials and investor reporting
- Lead the full add-on M&A process for your assigned portfolio companies — sourcing, diligence, financial analysis, and transaction execution
- Build and maintain financial models to evaluate add-on opportunities (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution, comps)
- Coordinate with lenders, attorneys, and third-party advisors throughout each transaction
- Support new platform investments alongside the Deal Team — financial modeling, diligence, data room management, and transaction materials (CIMs, IC memos, IOIs/LOIs)
- Contribute to investment committee discussions and management presentations
- Conduct market, competitor, and operational research to support new initiatives and strategic reviews
- Maintain and improve internal Blackford processes, playbooks, and tools used across teams
Skills
- 3 to 6 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, FP&A, consulting, or operational finance
- Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting, with strong academic performance
- Strong financial modeling skills, with direct experience building models that supported real transactions (LBO, DCF, accretion/dilution, comps) — not just classroom or training-program models
- Working understanding of financial statements, 13-week cash flow forecasting, and the mechanics of transaction execution
- Experience leading projects to improve financial or operational performance — for example, redesigning back-office processes, streamlining operational costs, implementing new systems, or redesigning operating models
- Experience building relationships and presenting to executive leadership teams
- Strong proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI or Tableau, and AI/data analytics tools
- Ownership mentality — you take responsibility for your portfolio and follow through on deliverables
- Comfort operating in two modes — the steady cadence of portfolio management and the intensity of an active deal — sometimes in the same week
- High attention to detail and analytical rigor across both operational data and transaction models
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and project management skills with portfolio company executives and internal partners
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn the operational mechanics of running and growing a business
- Professional maturity and sound judgment, especially when priorities compete
- Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment
- Strong work ethic and willingness to put in the time required to get deals and initiatives done
- Interest in long-term growth within private equity
- LOCATION Chicago, IL with regular travel to Grand Rapids, MI
- This role is based in Chicago and works remotely from a home office, with regular travel to Blackford's Grand Rapids headquarters for portfolio company work, deal sprints, and in-person team collaboration. Expected travel is roughly 1 to 2 weeks per month, with cadence flexing based on deal activity and portfolio company needs
- Prior experience in lower middle market private equity or transactions
- Experience in manufacturing, industrials, or business services
- Experience working with operating companies or in a multi-entity environment
- Based in or ties to Chicago, IL
Benefits
- Performance-based bonus eligibility.
- Participation in the firm-wide carry pool — every Blackford employee participates in long-term incentive opportunities tied to firm and fund performance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage (90% employer paid).
- Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
- Paid parking.
- Professional development support and growth opportunities.
- This role is based in Chicago and works remotely from a home office, with regular travel to Blackford's Grand Rapids headquarters for portfolio company work, deal sprints, and in-person team collaboration.
Company Overview