Private Equity Associate

Townsend Search Group has been engaged by an established middle-market private equity firm to identify an Associate to join its investment team. The firm has a long and successful history investing in growth-oriented businesses and is actively deploying capital across new platform investments, add-on acquisitions and its existing portfolio.

This is an opportunity to join a lean, highly active investment team and gain meaningful exposure across the full private equity investment lifecycle. The Associate will work directly with senior investment professionals and management teams and will have significant responsibility across both new transactions and existing portfolio companies.

The role will include evaluating new investment opportunities, developing investment theses, performing detailed financial and valuation analysis, building operating and LBO models, supporting transaction structuring and financing, conducting due diligence, preparing investment committee materials and participating in transaction execution. The Associate will also work with portfolio company management teams on strategic initiatives, financial performance, M&A and other value-creation opportunities.

The environment is entrepreneurial and execution-oriented. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of work streams, exercise sound judgment and contribute meaningfully from day one.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree with a finance, accounting, business or economics major from a top educational institution required
• Will possess at least 2 years of work experience in private equity or investment banking (elite boutique or leading middle market is preferred)
• Strong financial modeling skills, including operating models, valuation and LBO analysis
• Strong understanding of accounting, financial statements, cash flow and capital structure
• Demonstrated analytical ability and sound investment judgment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior executives and investment professionals
• High level of maturity, integrity and attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and comfortable working in a lean-team environment
• Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
• Michigan ties are strongly preferred

Responsibilities:

• Support execution of corporate finance transactions (M&A), including deal structuring, negotiation, business analysis, valuation, due diligence and documentation
• Create and maintain business development pitch books
• Conduct company and industry-specific research
• Interact with clients and senior bankers; assist in engagement marketing, planning, and execution
• Undertake additional projects as required or assigned

The position is Michigan-based
, although select candidates currently based in Chicago may also be considered.

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience and will include base salary, annual bonus opportunity and a comprehensive benefits package.