Investment Associate

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client is seeking an Investment Associate to support the evaluation, underwriting, execution, and ongoing monitoring of lower middle market investments pursued through search funds and independent sponsor structures. The Associate will play a key role in assessing and executing roll-up opportunities sourced both through searchers and directly from the broader market. Responsibilities span the full investment lifecycle, including opportunity screening, industry and market research, financial modeling and underwriting, due diligence coordination, preparation of investment committee materials, and transaction execution.

The role also involves partnering with internal resources to support searchers and portfolio companies, contributing to transaction structuring, and helping drive roll-up strategies from initial thesis development through closing. Performance is measured by execution reliability (quality and timeliness), sound judgment, and clarity of thought.

• Own financial modeling and return analyses for new platform and add-on acquisitions and validate key assumptions driving investment outcomes.
• Assess key value drivers, investment risks, value creation levers, and gating issues, synthesizing financial and qualitative factors into a clear investment view.
• Evaluate fragmented industries and roll-up theses, including consolidation dynamics, competitive positioning, demand drivers, and structural risks, directing market research efforts to validate assumptions.
• Identify key due diligence plan priorities, questions, and frameworks for addressing core diligence gaps to validate conviction (or lack thereof) at pace.
• Develop and present structured investment recommendations to senior leadership and investment committee, clearly articulating merits, risks, and key decision drivers, through polished and reliable presentation materials.
• Oversee the work of an Analyst when required (e.g., as part of normal investment evaluation processes)
• Manage core diligence work streams end-to-end, coordinating third‑party advisors, searchers, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely execution.
• Oversee portfolio monitoring, proactively identifying performance trends, risks, and value‑creation opportunities through financial and KPI assessments.

• Advanced financial modeling skills and familiarity with transaction diligence processes, with the ability to independently lead analytical work streams and produce investment committee presentations.
• Exceptional analytical judgment and problem‑solving skills, particularly in settings with limited information and time, with rigorous attention to detail and consistent intellectual honesty.
• Financial modeling expertise, with the ability to build, audit, and refine complex models with limited oversight.
• Experience with consistency in producing polished, investor‑ready materials and overseeing the quality of presentation outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to operate autonomously, take full ownership of work streams, oversee Analyst output when required, and drive investment processes forward with limited direction.
• Proven ability to perform under tight timelines while managing multiple concurrent transactions and priorities.
• Clear written and verbal communication ability, both internally with investment team peers and externally representing the firm when communicating with searchers, sellers, advisors, and other third parties.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal maturity, with the ability to engage effectively with Partners, searchers, management teams, and external advisors.
• Leadership, initiative, and a sustained record of high performance in academic and professional settings.

• Bachelor’s degree required (Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related analytical discipline preferred)
• Strong academic track record demonstrating analytical rigor and high performance
• 2 to 4 years of direct transaction experience in M&A, investment banking, private equity, or a similar rigorous, fast‑paced, analytical role
• Advanced financial modeling capabilities, including Leverage Buyout (LBO), three‑statement, merger, and return analysis models
• Deep proficiency in Excel, with the ability to independently build, audit, and refine complex models
• Experience evaluating investment opportunities, including industry analysis, roll‑up strategies, and value creation planning
• Advanced PowerPoint skills, with the ability to develop polished, investor‑ready presentations for senior leadership and investment committees
• Financial statement analysis and KPI‑driven performance monitoring expertise
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail‑oriented, analytical, and comfortable working hands‑on in a fast‑paced environment