Principal, Alternative Credit

Job Description

Ares Alternative Credit focuses on asset-based finance (ABF) and tactical asset investing opportunities beyond traditional markets, such as corporate debt, real estate and private equity. This strategy seeks opportunities in large, diversified portfolios, including specialty finance, lender finance, equipment leasing, structured products, net lease, cash-flow streams (e.g., royalties, licensing, management fees) and other asset-focused investments.

As of March 31, 2026 (and inclusive of Q2 capital raises), Ares Alternative Credit managed approximately $57.3 billion in assets. Ares is a co-founder of the Promote Giving initiative (www.promotegiving.org) and at least 5-10% of the promote (carried interest and incentive fee) profits of Alternative Credit's flagship Pathfinder family of funds have been pledged to be donated to global health and education charitable organizations.

About the Role

We are currently seeking an experienced Principal to join the Alternative Credit team focused on sourcing, origination and business & brand development within the private markets. The Principal will focus on a variety of core private markets responsibilities including: developing deep banking relationships, gathering market intelligence, sourcing new investment opportunities, negotiating and quarterbacking origination of new deal flow, developing strategic partnerships for origination and coordinating various branding & business development initiatives.

Primary Functions

• Business Development : Establish, build and maintain bank, advisory and lending platform relationships spanning all pockets of origination within those institutions
• Deal Origination: Facilitate sourcing deal flow across public & private credit markets utilizing deep relationships and regular contact across all parts of the covered institutions
• Partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships/JVs with other institutions including insurance companies, pensions, asset managers & others to create new deal sourcing channels and investment scale in all aspects of the Alternative Credit business
• Brand Development: Branding for the Alternative Credit business through attending and participating in conferences, panels, social events and all events relating to our charitable endeavors

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain new relationships within the bank, advisor, asset manager and lending platform communities to increase deal flow origination
• Uncover opportunities within these channels for investment across all Ares Alternative Credit pockets of capital including insurance and funds capital
• Coordinate & quarterback on the execution processes for various investment processes
• Provide proactive market color/updates to the collective Alternative Credit team & across the Ares platform
• Increase the awareness of Alternative Credit solutions to other areas across Ares
• Help drive brand development forward for Alternative Credit at conferences, panels and bank events

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or international equivalent required
• Minimum of 10-15+ years’ experience at a top investment firm, investment bank or similar organization, which might include experience in capital markets, investment banking, leveraged finance, buy-side M&A, structured product sales/syndications and/or principal investing experience
• Strong intellect with outstanding quantitative and qualitative analytical skills; strong knowledge of finance and accounting
• Understanding of loan / transaction documentation – commitment letters, term sheets and credit agreements
• Excellent writing, analytical and presentation skills
• Demonstrated competency in financial statement analysis, business valuation, accounting and finance
• Superior networking skills and ability to source valued information

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.

• $235,000.00 - $250,000.00

Benefits

• 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)
• Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit
• Access to a world-class medical advisory team
• Mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry
• 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