In this role, you will be tasked with sourcing, structuring, and managing credit investment opportunities through relationships with private equity sponsors targeting lower middle-market transactions. You will collaborate closely with internal credit and underwriting teams to identify opportunities that align with the firm's investment strategy. This position requires excellent networking and relationship management skills, along with in-depth knowledge of credit structuring and deal execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sponsor Relationship Management: Develop and maintain robust relationships with private equity sponsors to facilitate the origination of private credit deals in the lower middle market.
- Deal Sourcing: Actively seek out investment opportunities by engaging with lower middle-market private equity sponsors and intermediaries, attending industry conferences, and utilizing existing networks.
- Transaction Execution: Collaborate with internal teams to structure, negotiate, and finalize credit transactions, including term loans, unitranche financing, mezzanine debt, and other structured finance solutions.
- Credit Analysis: Lead initial credit underwriting efforts, including due diligence, financial analysis, and risk assessments to evaluate the viability of potential investments.
- Market Intelligence: Keep abreast of trends in the lower middle-market sponsor landscape, including shifts in financing structures, pricing, and competitive dynamics.
- Portfolio Management: Oversee the performance of portfolio investments, collaborating with credit and risk teams for timely reporting and risk mitigation.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work alongside internal investment, legal, and risk management teams to ensure seamless deal execution and compliance with firm policies.
- Networking & Business Development: Actively engage in industry events, conferences, and sponsor-related activities to enhance the firm's visibility and generate new business opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Experience: 7-10 years in private credit, leveraged finance, investment banking, or sponsor coverage, specifically focusing on lower middle-market transactions.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field; MBA or CFA designation is preferred.
- Technical Skills: Strong understanding of credit analysis, loan structuring, and underwriting, with solid financial modeling and deal execution capabilities.
- Relationship Skills: Proven track record in building and managing relationships with private equity sponsors and intermediaries.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present investment opportunities and structure deals.
- Team Player: Capacity to collaborate across functions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Motivation: Self-motivated individual with a strong drive to source deals and enhance the firm's sponsor coverage platform.
