Vice President, Regional Director

Company: Ares Operations
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Over the last 20 years, Ares’ success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values – Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy – and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry. Job Description About Ares Wealth Management Solutions (AWMS) Ares Wealth Management Solutions (AWMS) oversees the product development, distribution, marketing, and client management activities of investment offerings for the global wealth management channel. With a team of more than 140 professionals and backed by the power and scale of the Ares platform, AWMS represents one of the most resourced wealth distribution and client service teams in the alternatives industry. AWMS’ mission is to provide advisors and their clients access to innovative, solutions-oriented investment opportunities, across the Ares platform of industry leading credit, private equity, real estate, and secondaries strategies. Through our range of institutional and retail structures, coupled with excellent client service and educational resources, we help investors diversify their portfolios with private market solutions that can deliver consistent, long-term growth. Position Summary We are searching for a Regional Director to join the Great Lakes regional sales team (inclusive of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota) providing field sales coverage to various intermediary clients in the advisor marketplace. The position will represent Ares Wealth Management Solutions in their assigned territory promoting our platform of solutions. Ares distribution capabilities are embedded. Business needs may dictate assigned territories. Essential Job Duties As part of a three person Regional Director team, the mandate is to develop new and build upon existing relationships within the territory, with a focus on underpenetrated and underserved parts of the market (e.g. Independent and Regional Broker Dealer channel – a key area of expansion and growth for Ares). The strategy includes developing a firm/branch rotation, implementing business plans around focus firms, and identifying business opportunities, a proactive call rotation, face-to-face meetings and consultative approach providing value-added services Work in conjunction with the broader distribution organization and Sales Associates to develop a plan to generate greater sales, higher asset levels and improved client service Thoroughly understand and communicate Ares’ investment philosophy, process, objectives, and positioning Develop and implement marketing plans for assigned clients. Work closely with marketing team on the development and implementation of these plans Assist in timely dissemination of sales information. Identify and establish lists of key influencers, gatekeepers, and producers Strive to become a knowledgeable source of information and insight about the commercial real estate market and industry Adhere to all compliance guidelines including use of pre-approved marketing materials, prospectus requirements and proper licensing Fulfill in a timely manner required administrative/team responsibilities such as Salesforce CRM data, call reporting, expense reports, conference calls and meetings Analyze sales data to provide reports, access profitability, identify trends and make recommendations Manage annual T&E budget Conduct client seminars and events Conduct daily activities in the highest professional manner Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 5 years alternatives, mutual fund or SMA sales experience within the wealth channel FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses required Proven track record of success with demonstrated results in a financial sales environment Ability to demonstrate industry and product knowledge through understanding the competitive landscape, client drivers and other key marketplace factors Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate across all levels of the organization, both internally and externally Articulate, polished, adaptable, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience Ability to travel up to 80% Reporting Relationships Compensation The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role. $210,000 The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit. Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more. There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.

Keywords: Ares Operations, Tinley Park , Vice President, Regional Director, Sales , Chicago, Illinois