Sagard
Director of Business DevelopmentDenver; New York, New York, United States; Newpo
Sagard, New York, New York, United States, 10001
Director Of Business Development
The Director of Business Development will play a key role in growing Sagard's private credit business. This individual will be responsible for expanding the firm's direct lending and private credit investment pipeline by identifying, initiating, and cultivating relationships with financial sponsors, advisors, intermediaries, and borrowers across the United States. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this is a high-impact, externally facing role that requires strong market connectivity, strong understanding of private credit products, and the strategic mindset to align sourcing activities with the firm's investment objectives. Key Responsibilities:
Deal Origination & Relationship Management Lead and manage the firm's efforts to originate new credit investment opportunities with a focus on middle market and lower-middle market transactions. Develop and maintain deep, trusted relationships with private equity sponsors, investment bankers, advisors, consultants, and corporate borrowers. Represent the firm at industry conferences, sponsor meetings, and networking events to enhance visibility and deal flow. Strategic Market Development Identify new sectors, sponsor relationships, and channels to increase deal origination volume and diversity. Collaborate with senior leadership to refine the go-to-market approach based on evolving market conditions and firm capabilities. Pipeline & Deal Management Serve as a front-line filter for new deal opportunities-screening leads, and conducting initial qualification. Track pipeline progress using CRM tools and deliver regular updates on activity metrics, relationship coverage, and market feedback. Coordinate with internal investment teams to transition opportunities through underwriting, diligence, and execution phases. Market Intelligence Monitor and communicate market trends in credit, sponsor activity, and macroeconomic conditions to inform sourcing strategy. Provide feedback to the investment team on shifting market sentiment, deal structures, and pricing dynamics. Experience and Qualifications:
8-12+ years of experience in private credit, direct lending, leveraged finance, investment banking, private equity or other transactional settings. Demonstrated success in originating private credit transactions. Strong network among private equity firms, intermediaries, and corporate finance advisors. Strong knowledge of private credit products, capital structures, and credit underwriting fundamentals. Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of cultivating long-term institutional relationships. Commercially minded with the ability to think strategically and align origination efforts with broader portfolio construction goals. Proven experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with high standards for execution and accountability. Personal Attributes
Highly motivated, self-starter with a "hunter" mentality and entrepreneurial spirit. Polished communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders both internally and externally. Team-oriented and collaborative, with a low-ego, high-performance mindset. Intellectually curious, with a passion for markets and a deep interest in middle-market private capital solutions. Join Sagard and become part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values diversity, innovation, and excellence.
The Director of Business Development will play a key role in growing Sagard's private credit business. This individual will be responsible for expanding the firm's direct lending and private credit investment pipeline by identifying, initiating, and cultivating relationships with financial sponsors, advisors, intermediaries, and borrowers across the United States. Reporting to the Head of Business Development, this is a high-impact, externally facing role that requires strong market connectivity, strong understanding of private credit products, and the strategic mindset to align sourcing activities with the firm's investment objectives. Key Responsibilities:
Deal Origination & Relationship Management Lead and manage the firm's efforts to originate new credit investment opportunities with a focus on middle market and lower-middle market transactions. Develop and maintain deep, trusted relationships with private equity sponsors, investment bankers, advisors, consultants, and corporate borrowers. Represent the firm at industry conferences, sponsor meetings, and networking events to enhance visibility and deal flow. Strategic Market Development Identify new sectors, sponsor relationships, and channels to increase deal origination volume and diversity. Collaborate with senior leadership to refine the go-to-market approach based on evolving market conditions and firm capabilities. Pipeline & Deal Management Serve as a front-line filter for new deal opportunities-screening leads, and conducting initial qualification. Track pipeline progress using CRM tools and deliver regular updates on activity metrics, relationship coverage, and market feedback. Coordinate with internal investment teams to transition opportunities through underwriting, diligence, and execution phases. Market Intelligence Monitor and communicate market trends in credit, sponsor activity, and macroeconomic conditions to inform sourcing strategy. Provide feedback to the investment team on shifting market sentiment, deal structures, and pricing dynamics. Experience and Qualifications:
8-12+ years of experience in private credit, direct lending, leveraged finance, investment banking, private equity or other transactional settings. Demonstrated success in originating private credit transactions. Strong network among private equity firms, intermediaries, and corporate finance advisors. Strong knowledge of private credit products, capital structures, and credit underwriting fundamentals. Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of cultivating long-term institutional relationships. Commercially minded with the ability to think strategically and align origination efforts with broader portfolio construction goals. Proven experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with high standards for execution and accountability. Personal Attributes
Highly motivated, self-starter with a "hunter" mentality and entrepreneurial spirit. Polished communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders both internally and externally. Team-oriented and collaborative, with a low-ego, high-performance mindset. Intellectually curious, with a passion for markets and a deep interest in middle-market private capital solutions. Join Sagard and become part of a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values diversity, innovation, and excellence.