Grant Thornton is seeking an Private Equity Director Client Relationship Executive to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.
Job Description:
Grant Thornton is seeking a Private Equity Director Client Relationship Executive (CRE) to drive growth across private equity funds and portfolio companies through deep, trust-based executive relationships, high-impact solution orchestration, and active daily prospecting. This leader serves as client growth strategist and seller, opening new doors for the with PE funds and portfolio companies. The role centers on Commercial Due Diligence while identifying additional M&A-related opportunities along the way. The PE CRE operates at the intersection of solution strategy, pursuit leadership, and executive relationship management — shaping how capabilities are packaged, positioned, and activated in the market.
Your Day-to-Day May Include:
Active Prospecting & Business Origination
Conduct active, rigorous daily prospecting across assigned accounts, targets, and markets — originating new business through outbound calls, executive meetings, and relationship development
Meet sales production targets and goals with discipline and minimal oversight
Originate new sales opportunities by consistently and systematically initiating contacts; pursue prospects to secure meetings and win referrals
PE Growth Leadership & Account Strategy
Lead PE account and pursuit strategies across assigned PE funds and portfolio companies, identifying opportunities to deliver Commercial Due Diligence services as a core focus alongside other Advisory opportunities
Serve as the originator of new client relationships with PE funds, building relationships that open access to portfolio-wide opportunities
Act as the deal/solution architect — shaping how GT brings capabilities together into clear value propositions, solution narratives, and commercially viable program structures
Translate client needs into scalable, differentiated solutions; partner with offering and solution strategy leaders to ensure solutions are executable and repeatable
Drive proposal strategies that emphasize measurable outcomes, defined governance, and practical implementation plans (not just scopes and hours)
Position GT's full-service approach — uniting data-driven insights, technology modernization, and shared services/outsourcing to deliver speed, efficiency, and ROI at scale
Champion responsible, practical AI adoption in pursuit narratives, coordinating with AI and risk leaders as needed
Maintain strong executive altitude in client conversations (Board/C-suite), aligning Advisory pursuits to growth, risk, profitability, and performance priorities
Pursuit Leadership & Win Strategy
Identify winning strategies by deeply understanding client needs; coach pursuit teams through qualification, solutioning, pricing, and closing
Participate in solution-specific sales presentations and executive working sessions; facilitate alignment across stakeholders
Negotiate and participate in pricing strategy to ensure GT is competitive while protecting value
Market Presence & Executive Connectivity
Project executive presence; build effective relationships with senior Partners and C-Suite executives
Identify key decision makers at client and prospect organizations at the C-Suite and Board levels
Cultivate relationships across executive networks, industry forums, and alliances to build GT relevance
In partnership with marketing, activate events, campaigns, and thought leadership to build pipeline
Operational Discipline & Firm Stewardship
Regularly (daily) and consistently use CRM/OneView to ensure activity, pipeline, and customer data are current and decision-useful
Participate in the Sales Verification Process (SVP) for all origination claims
Model GT's commitment to quality, integrity, and trust in all client interactions
You Have the Following Technical Skills and Qualifications:
10+ years of progressive experience in professional services (commercial due diligence preferred), including experience working with private equity firms, portfolio companies, or PE-backed businesses, and experience in complex solution selling, or enterprise transformation pursuits with C-suite/Board-level buyers
Demonstrated success building and expanding executive relationships with PE fund executives, and driving measurable growth outcomes in a matrixed professional services environment
Ability to identify, coordinate, and advance commercial due diligence opportunities across PE funds and portfolio companies, in addition to other Advisory opportunities
Strong commercial acumen: qualification discipline, win strategy, pricing, negotiation, and executive storytelling
Proven ability to translate complex capabilities into clear value propositions and scalable pursuit narratives; comfort operating at the intersection of strategy and go-to-market
Experience selling and structuring multi-year programs (including managed services / outsourcing / shared services models) preferred
Direct experience in professional services firms, with working knowledge of how partner-led, client-service organizations operate
Advanced communication and presentation skills (executive-level decks, whiteboarding, facilitating decision sessions)
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
Travel up to 10% variable by portfolio
The base salary range for this position is between $185,000 and $278,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. About the TeamThe team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of progressive experience in professional services
- Experience working with private equity firms, portfolio companies, or PE-backed businesses
- Experience in complex solution selling or enterprise transformation pursuits with C-suite/Board-level buyers
- Demonstrated success building and expanding executive relationships with PE fund executives and driving measurable growth
- Ability to identify, coordinate, and advance commercial due diligence opportunities
- Strong commercial acumen: qualification discipline, win strategy, pricing, negotiation, and executive storytelling
- Proven ability to translate complex capabilities into clear value propositions and scalable pursuit narratives
- Experience selling and structuring multi-year programs including managed services/outsourcing/shared services models
- Direct experience in professional services firms and working knowledge of partner-led client-service organizations
- Advanced communication and presentation skills (executive-level decks, whiteboarding, facilitating decision sessions)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- MBA or other advanced degree
- Willingness/ability to travel up to 10%
- Regular use of CRM/OneView and participation in Sales Verification Process (SVP)
- Ability to champion responsible, practical AI adoption in pursuit narratives and coordinate with AI and risk leaders
What We Do
Forget what you think you know about professional services. We go beyond what’s expected and help others do the same. Grant Thornton is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. That means our network has more than 60,000 professionals in more than 135 countries who are ready to help public and private organizations of all sizes take on today’s challenges. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we do – it’s how we do it. Here, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result. We’re collaborators – obsessed with quality and ready for anything – who understand the value of strong relationships. It’s how we challenge the expectations of business and empower our people and clients to do it, too. One thing we won’t do? Grant Thornton LLP will never request money or any form of payment for services via social media. Please report any concerns at 1-800-810-3503. "Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please see grantthornton.com for further details.
