20 May Gardner is hiring for a Principal-level position

Posted at 14:40h in News by

Job Title: Principal
Location: Flexible, with preference for Minneapolis or Milwaukee metro areas

Position Overview

We are seeking a driven, hands-on individual to join our investment team. This is a role for someone who thrives on challenge and is exceptionally competitive. The ideal candidate will have a blend of public accounting experience and strong financial modeling capabilities: 3-statement monthly financial models, 13-week cash flow models, and ad hoc scenario analysis. Leveraging his or her financial and accounting skills, the successful candidate will effectively work with business owners, turnaround professionals, investment bankers, lenders, lawyers, and management teams.

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of special situations private equity investing: from deal sourcing and diligence to working side-by-side our management teams to solve problems and accomplish value creation initiatives that increase profits. Gardner Standard and its affiliates also maintain a substantial real estate portfolio and your role will include involvement in managing this business

This is a partnership-track position.

Key Responsibilities

  • Source new investment opportunities. Gardner Standard is a deep value investor. Although we focus on aerospace & defense, precision manufacturing and engineered products businesses, we remain highly opportunistic when compelling investment opportunities present
  • Build, revise, and maintain detailed financial models to support acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, investment decisions, and portfolio company initiatives
  • Conduct rigorous due diligence: analyze financial statements, contracts, customer data, supply chain, and operational performance to uncover risks and opportunities
  • Assist in the management of existing investments, including projects related to portfolio companies and real estate investments
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and external advisors (bankers, accountants, lawyers) to drive transactions forward
  • Partner with portfolio company leaders post-close to improve performance, implement strategic initiatives, and create value

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree and CPA designation required
  • 2–3+ years of experience at a highly regarded public accounting firm
  • 2–5+ additional years of business experience in private equity, turnaround consulting services, accounting, finance, transaction advisory, investment banking, or management consulting (experience in companies with less than $150M revenue critical)
  • Strong technical skills: advanced Excel and PowerPoint; exposure to Power BI and ERP systems (NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks) preferred
  • Intellectual curiosity with a “next question” mindset — relentless in digging for answers and not afraid to roll up your sleeves
  • Relentlessly competitive with a strong preference for candidates who excelled in competitive athletics
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings simply and clearly
  • Hungry, motivated, and aligned with Gardner Standard’s values: integrity, insight, collaboration, resolve, diligence, flexibility, and long-term orientation

What We Offer

  • Growing platform to accomplish complex / special situations investments with attractive risk-adjusted returns
  • Mentorship from experienced operators and investors committed to your professional growth
  • Competitive compensation: Base salary of $250,000 to $350,000, 50% to 75%+ annual bonus opportunity, and participation in carried interest for new investments
  • Partnership-track role with a firm that values accountability, urgency, and results — where creating value earns not just recognition, but meaningful upside

About Gardner Standard

Gardner Standard is a private investment firm focused on acquiring and strengthening lower middle-market companies, with an emphasis on aerospace & defense, precision manufacturing, and engineered products businesses. We are deep value investors, bringing operational excellence and strategic investment to unlock value in businesses facing complexity or underperformance. We invest for the long run and embrace business challenges. We acquire businesses with strong underlying fundamentals and untapped potential, applying a hands-on approach to drive sustainable and profitable growth.

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