About The Sterling Group

Since 1982, The Sterling Group has partnered with management teams to grow and build winning businesses in the industrial sector. Today, Sterling manages over $9 billion in assets under management across two private equity strategies—Middle Market and Lower Middle Market—targeting partnerships with industrial companies of varying sizes.

Over 75% of Sterling’s past partnerships have been with family-owned businesses and corporate carve-outs, where we bring our hands-on operational expertise to unlock growth. Our investor base includes some of the largest and most respected global institutional investors.

Our strategy is predicated on acquiring good businesses that are under-managed or under-performing their potential and that have substantial opportunities for strategic and operational improvements. Through our Seven Levers Methodology—Human Capital, Strategy, Execution, Commercial, Operations, Technology, and M&A—we consistently deliver results across multiple market cycles.

On past realized investments, Sterling has generated a return of 3.0x gross invested capital, with over 70% of that return driven by organic EBITDA growth. We believe our ability to fundamentally improve strategy and operations is what differentiates Sterling and drives value creation for customers, employees, and investors alike.

The Opportunity

The Sterling Group is seeking a highly qualified 2026 MBA graduate to join our growing team of investment professionals as a Vice President. Vice Presidents at Sterling play a key role in the firm’s long-term success and begin what we hope will be a Partner-track career.

You will join a lean, collaborative team working directly with Partners, portfolio company executives, and other key stakeholders across the full investment lifecycle. This includes sourcing and evaluating opportunities, executing transactions, driving strategy and operational improvements, and preparing businesses for successful exits.

A hallmark of Sterling’s program is that Vice Presidents gain direct operating experience by spending one year embedded in a portfolio company. During this time, you will hold a senior management position, reporting directly to the CEO, and lead strategic initiatives such as operational improvements, acquisition integrations, or growth programs. This experience is designed to accelerate your development as both an investor and an operator.

Role Description

As a member of Sterling’s investment team, Vice Presidents are deeply involved in transforming middle market industrial companies. This is a unique opportunity to lead change and contribute to the improvement of entire industries.

Vice Presidents will contribute to and eventually lead efforts across the investment lifecycle, including:

• Developing investment theses and sourcing opportunities

• Leading diligence and execution of acquisitions

• Working with management teams on strategy and value creation initiatives

• Participating in portfolio company boards early in their career

• Supporting exit preparation and execution of successful investments

Vice Presidents are also actively engaged in Sterling’s internal committees, which shape the ongoing development of the firm. Current committees include Sourcing, Deal Evaluation, Human Capital, and ESG. This involvement provides meaningful exposure to firm strategy beyond deal execution.

Job Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Screening and evaluating new investment opportunities

• Leading due diligence and supporting transaction execution

• Assisting in the negotiation of acquisition and financing documentation

• Partnering with portfolio company management teams on strategy and value creation initiatives

• Participating in board meetings and operational reviews

• Driving internal initiatives and improvement efforts across Sterling

• Mentoring and managing pre-MBA Associates on deal teams

• Serving on internal committees (e.g., Sourcing, Human Capital, ESG)

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a passion for building businesses. Required qualifications include:

• Current full-time MBA student graduating in 2026

• 4+ years of prior experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or operations at a top-tier industrial company

• Strong interest in and/or experience with the industrial sector (manufacturing, distribution, industrial/business services)

• Proven leadership, communication, and analytical skills

• Self-driven, intellectually curious, and motivated by continuous improvement

• Willingness to relocate to Houston, TX (or strong ties to the region)

Career Development & Culture

Sterling is committed to the long-term development of our people. Vice Presidents receive:

• A formal mentorship program, pairing you with a Sterling Partner for ongoing coaching and guidance

• An annual professional development stipend to invest in additional training or certifications

• A competitive compensation package, including base salary, performance bonus, and carried interest participation

• Early opportunities to serve on portfolio company boards and contribute to key strategic decisions

• A supportive and collaborative culture built on our core values of Partnership, Passion, and Discipline

We take pride in the fact that 6 of our 7 current Partners began their careers as Associates or Vice Presidents at Sterling. This track record underscores our belief in building talent from within.

Living in Houston

Sterling’s headquarters are located in Houston, Texas, the 4th largest city in the U.S. Houston offers a dynamic lifestyle, including:

• The 3rd lowest cost of living among the 20 largest U.S. cities

• No state income tax

• A thriving restaurant scene, year-round golf, and top-tier professional sports teams (Texans, Astros, Rockets, Dynamo)

• Access to diverse cultural attractions and global connectivity