Principal, Alternative Credit (Capital Markets)

About the Role

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, 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.

We are seeking an experienced Principal to join the Alternative Credit team focused on sourcing, origination, and business & brand development within the private markets.

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 and quarterback the execution processes for various investment processes.
• Provide proactive market color/updates to the collective Alternative Credit team and across the Ares platform.
• Increase the awareness of Alternative Credit solutions to other areas across Ares.
• Drive brand development forward for Alternative Credit at conferences, panels, and bank events.
• Establish, build, and maintain bank, advisory, and lending platform relationships spanning all pockets of origination within those institutions.
• Facilitate sourcing deal flow across public and private credit markets utilizing deep relationships and regular contact across all parts of the covered institutions.
• Develop strategic partnerships/JVs with other institutions including insurance companies, pensions, asset managers, and others to create new deal sourcing channels and investment scale in all aspects of the Alternative Credit business.
• Lead branding for the Alternative Credit business through attending and participating in conferences, panels, social events, and all events relating to charitable endeavors.

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.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $235,000.00 - $250,000.00. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plans.
• 401(k) program with company match.
• Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) and 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.
• 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, and emergency backup care.
• Matching gift program and education sponsorship program.