US Credit Solutions Group, Principal

TEAM OVERVIEW

KKR’s Credit Solutions team sits within the firm’s Credit & Markets platform and combines principal credit investing with capital markets capabilities to deliver tailored financing solutions to upper middle market and large companies across a broad range of industries. The team manages $135Bn of assets under management within its private credit strategy and invests primarily in senior secured unitranche loans as well as flexibly across other parts of the capital structure, including junior capital, mezzanine, and preferred equity.

The Credit Solutions team works closely with KKR Capital Markets and other KKR investment teams, enabling a coordinated approach to sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and executing transactions across public and private markets. The team is involved throughout the full investment lifecycle, including diligence, investment committee approval, execution, portfolio management, and exit activity, and has completed approximately 300 global direct lending transactions since inception in 2005.

POSITION SUMMARY
KKR is seeking a Principal to join the New York-based Credit Solutions team. The Principal will serve as a deal team captain responsible for leading transactions across the diligence, underwriting, structuring, and investment committee workstreams. The role includes significant ownership of transaction outcomes, client coverage and origination, active involvement in portfolio management, and responsibility for developing junior investment professionals.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Lead execution of private credit transactions, including diligence, financial analysis, transaction structuring, and legal documentation workstreams
•    Prepare and present investment committee materials, including underwriting analysis, risk assessment, and return considerations
•    Oversee financial modeling, downside scenarios, and credit risk evaluation
•    Manage transaction processes and timelines, coordinating with sponsors, management teams, advisors, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders
•    Support senior investment professionals on select sponsor relationships and new investment origination 
•    Monitor portfolio investments post-close, including performance analysis, covenant compliance, amendments, refinancings, and add-on transactions
•    Provide guidance and oversight to Analysts and Associates, ensuring high-quality analytical output and execution discipline

QUALIFICATIONS
•    6+ years of relevant experience in private credit, direct lending, leveraged finance, or investment banking
•    Experience leading transaction execution across various capital structures
•    Strong understanding of credit documentation, structuring considerations, and downside protection
•    Prior exposure to sponsor-backed transactions preferred

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
•    Strong technical skills across financial modeling, accounting, and credit analysis
•    Sound investment judgment and ability to independently assess risk and return
•    Demonstrated ownership mentality and execution focus
•    Clear, concise communicator with comfort engaging senior internal stakeholders and key external stakeholders
•    Collaborative approach and experience mentoring junior professionals
•    Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-performance environment

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