COMPANY OVERVIEW
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.
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
#LI-DNI
KKR is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law.
KKR will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected]. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.kkr.com/careers because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to [email protected]. Only emails left for this purpose will be returned.
Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. This notice applies only to applicants and employees who work or will work in Massachusetts, in accordance with applicable state law.
Skills Required
- 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
KKR Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about KKR and has not been reviewed or approved by KKR.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered strong and often characterized as fair, with a success‑based model intended to tie rewards to realized performance. Feedback suggests this structure improves clarity around how outcomes influence compensation.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Broad‑based employee ownership is emphasized, giving team members access to options, RSUs, and portfolio‑company equity programs that can yield meaningful upside. This approach is positioned as additional value without trading off wages or core benefits.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, with standout elements like an on‑site wellness center at the New York headquarters offering primary care, mental health, and preventive services. Wellness programs, nutrition support, and EAP resources further reinforce a robust health offering.
KKR Insights
What We Do
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management and capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of The Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
