Associate - Direct Lending and Special Situations
Our client is seeking a high‑performing Private Credit Associate to join a lean, entrepreneurial investment team focused on lower‑middle‑market and middle‑market special situations credit investments. The firm deploys flexible private credit across a wide range of industries, targeting mid-teens or better risk-adjusted returns through bespoke capital solutions.
This role offers substantial responsibility and hands-on experience across the full investment lifecycle. Ideal candidates will bring strong analytical capabilities, deal execution experience, and the ability to operate in a dynamic, non-hierarchical environment.
Key Responsibilities
Investment Evaluation & Underwriting
- Conduct comprehensive financial modeling, including leveraged buyout models, downside cases, and cash flow projections
- Evaluate companies across a variety of industries, often with complex capital structures or unique credit needs
- Support origination and screening of new opportunities, particularly in non-sponsor contexts
- Analyze business models, industry dynamics, competitive positioning, and management team capabilities
- Assess collateral, capital structures, and downside protection
Deal Execution
- Lead key workstreams throughout the transaction process, including diligence, QofE review, legal documentation, and risk assessment
- Prepare and present investment materials for the investment committee
- Partner with lenders, advisors, management teams, and internal stakeholders to drive efficient execution
- Assist in structuring creative credit solutions tailored to unique special situations opportunities
Portfolio Management
- Monitor ongoing portfolio company performance, covenant compliance, and risk metrics
- Engage regularly with management teams to track performance and identify opportunities for value creation or risk mitigation
- Prepare internal reporting and participate in ongoing portfolio review discussions
Qualifications
Ideal Background
- 1.5-4 years of experience in:
- Restructuring / RX investment banking
- Leveraged Finance
- Private Credit / Direct Lending
- Special Situations / Distressed Finance
- Strong financial modeling, credit analysis, and valuation skills
- Experience working on credit-intensive, structured, or event-driven transactions
- Comfort evaluating non-sponsor, founder-owned, or operationally complex businesses
- Ability to thrive on a lean team with high visibility and real responsibility
- Strong communication skills and the maturity to interact directly with management teams and advisors
- Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in private credit investing
What the Role Offers
- High ownership and involvement across the entire investment process
- Exposure to differentiated deal flow, especially non-sponsor and special situations
- Lean team structure with strong mentorship and senior exposure
- Ability to shape and influence investment decisions early in your career
- Competitive compensation aligned with performance and fund returns
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