Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry. Job Description Ares U.S. Direct Lending Group (“DLG”) is one of the largest self-originating direct lenders to the U.S. middle market. With a team of approximately 190 investment professionals in offices across the U.S., Ares U.S. DLG self-originates investment opportunities in senior secured loans, junior debt, preferred equity and select minority equity investments. Ares U.S. DLG provides investors access to its self-originating direct lending platform through several vehicles, including commingled funds, separately managed accounts and a publicly traded vehicle, Ares Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: ARCC). Ares is currently seeking a Vice President to join our Direct Lending Group in Chicago for an immediate start. This position presents candidates with an opportunity that offers significant exposure to all phases of the investment process. The Vice President will be tasked with managing the deal execution process while representing Ares internally and externally. This is a rare opportunity to join an exceptional team with strong growth potential. Key responsibilities include: Act as a subject matter expert including industry analysis and comprehensive assessment of risks associated with the outcome of a credit thesis. Oversee and lead internal and external meetings with key players including internal management, expert networks, law firms and clients. Effectively manage the credit approval and deal execution process from intake to closing including preparing/presenting detailed investment committee memos, new deal screens, structuring, delegating tasks to team members, due diligence, early read process etc. Handle the operational process of deal execution while managing multiple complex projects Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent required Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience. Direct lending and leveraged finance specific experience is strongly preferred Strong quantitative, financial and analytical skills Advanced MS Excel modeling skills (v‐lookup, macros, pivot tables) and MS PowerPoint skills Self‐motivated and driven; ability to work effectively and independently in a collaborative, fast moving, and demanding environment. Exceptional communication skills Outstanding integrity, judgement, time management and trustworthiness Reporting Relationships Managing Director, Credit Compensation The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. $190,000.00 - $225,000.00 The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more. There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active. Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of March 31, 2024, Ares Management's global platform had approximately $428 billion of assets under management(1) with more than 2,900 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com. Ares Management LLC (together with its related operating and administrative subsidiaries, “Ares Management”) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, sex, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity and expression, transgender status, genetic information, status as unemployed, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Ares Management will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. (1) As of March 31, 2024. AUM amounts include funds managed by Ivy Hill Asset Management, LP., a wholly owned portfolio company of Ares Capital Corporation and registered investment adviser.