Associate, Direct Lending Restructuring

Overview

Ares has built its success over the last 20 years on our people and our culture. Our team is guided by core values — Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy — and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through recruitment, career development and employee‑focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high‑performance talent from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Ares European Direct Lending is seeking an Associate to join its Restructuring team located in London. Ares European Direct Lending primarily provides financing for companies in defensive industries, with scalable capital to support growth, acquisitions and longer‑term strategy. The Restructuring team is responsible for managing control equity positions and other restructuring transactions within the European Direct Lending portfolio.

We believe restructuring requires a collaborative approach, considering our involvement in situations where companies require a reassessment of their capital structure and business plans. As such, we partner with management teams and sponsors of our portfolio companies to develop optimal solutions which meet our investment objectives. Leveraging our financial and operational expertise, we structure bespoke transactions that provide companies with a solid platform for renewed growth.

Our goal is to drive outcomes that enhance value for our investors and all stakeholders while positioning the business for sustainable performance.

• Thoroughly analyze portfolio companies’ performance including reviews of historical financials, development of cashflow projection models and investment analyses
• Apply various qualitative and quantitative methods, including data analysis and scenario analysis, to assess the risks and opportunities of potential transactions
• Participate in structuring, negotiating and documenting transactions
• Communicate and explain investment theses to internal stakeholders and investment committees
• Participate in setting the value creation strategy for portfolio companies
• Developing strong relationships with management teams and advisors in connection with strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance to understand key trends and drivers of portfolio companies and drive positive outcomes
• Support in leading M&A processes in relation to control equity positions

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, international equivalent or professional equivalent (e.g. ACCA) with excellent academic record

Experience Required

• 2-6 years of restructuring, investment banking, public and/or private credit, private equity or consulting experience

• Self-motivated and driven; ability to work effectively in a collegial, fast moving, demanding, and dynamic environment
• Fluent spoken and written communication in English
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel with strong technical skills and ability to build an LBO model and other complex operating models
• Excellent research and due diligence skills with an aptitude for numeracy
• Exceptional interpersonal skills as well as being a team player
• Evidence of intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving skills, and adaptability
• Solid organizational skills, high attention to detail and ability to prioritize
• Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness
• European language abilities considered a plus

Partner, Credit

There is no set Final date to receive applications for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.