Heartland Growth Partners
Title: VP
Reports to: Principal
Location: Columbus, Ohio; or New York City, New York (with travel to Columbus as needed)
About Us
Heartland Growth Partners is a leading lower-middle market private equity firm specializing in founder-led and family-owned businesses within the industrials sector. We target companies with $2M to $10M in EBITDA. What sets us apart is our proprietary network of over 100 Midwest-based business owners and operators, who bring invaluable industry expertise and strategic insights to every investment.
As the private equity arm of Heartland Ventures, a venture capital firm known for bridging coastal technology with Midwestern business, we leverage our combined expertise to drive innovation and measurable results. This integrated approach ensures we don’t just provide capital – we deliver access to resources, operational best practices, and growth opportunities tailored to each portfolio company. At Heartland, we are more than investors; we are partners committed to fostering growth and transforming industries.
Recent Press
- Columbus Business First: Columbus VC firm launches PE spinoff to boost Midwest manufacturers
- Axios Pro Rata: Heartland Growth Partners bought a majority stake in Victory Machine & Fabrication, a Sidney, Ohio-based provider of millwright and rigging, machining, and metal fabrication services
Role Overview
Heartland Growth Partners is seeking a highly motivated Private Equity Investment Professional to join our growing team. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply in the full investment lifecycle – from sourcing and due diligence to portfolio company value creation and exit strategy execution. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, portfolio company executives, and our strategic investor network to shape the future of founder-led businesses, driving operational improvements and top-line growth. As part of a dynamic, fast-paced team, you will have significant exposure to decision-making processes and opportunities to make an immediate impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop investment theses and conduct in-depth industry research to identify promising opportunities within the industrials sector.
- Collaborate with Heartland’s strategic investor network to evaluate market dynamics and identify key growth levers for portfolio companies.
- Build and maintain complex financial models to analyze valuations, returns, and risk scenarios.
- Lead due diligence efforts, including evaluating operational performance, reviewing financial statements, and assessing market positioning.
- Prepare investment memoranda and present findings to senior leadership and limited partners.
- Work closely with portfolio company executives to implement operational and strategic initiatives, leveraging Heartland’s extensive network to unlock new revenue opportunities.
- Track portfolio performance, monitor key metrics, and support decision-making on growth and exit strategies.
- Build relationships with industry professionals, advisors, and intermediaries to source off-market deals.
- Represent Heartland at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen the firm’s reputation and deal flow.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in private equity.
- History of strong academic performance.
- Expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and data analysis.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior executives.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
- Entrepreneurial and coachable mindset with problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
- Highly proficient in MS Office and CRM tools, with transaction due diligence experience.
- A connection (prior home, school, etc) to the Midwest is a plus!
Why Join Heartland?
- High Impact Role: Directly influence the trajectory of founder-led companies by working closely with leadership teams and strategic investors.
- Unparalleled Growth Opportunities: Join a firm at an exciting growth stage with significant exposure to senior leadership and decision-making.
- Collaborative Culture: Be part of a dynamic team that values curiosity, innovation, and measurable impact.
- Unique Model: Leverage our strategic investor network to bring real-world industry insights to portfolio companies.
- Competitive Compensation: We offer a highly competitive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and equity participation.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply at the link below (we will not see your application if you only apply via Linkedin).
Apply Here: Heartland Growth Partners Investment Professional Application
https://airtable.com/appdgmW83awy7toX3/shrIM27wXBQDJtHNQ
