Direct Lending Associate - Benelux

Reference: 13751

Investec – Where Out of the Ordinary Happens At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for out performance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.

Direct Lending Associate, Benelux. Investec – Where Out of the Ordinary Happens At Investec, we do things differently. We're a leading international bank and wealth manager built on a culture of curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit and human connection. Ideas are heard, ambition is celebrated, and impact is encouraged. As part of a team that challenges convention and strives for out performance, you'll help shape bold solutions for clients who expect something more than the ordinary.

About the team:

Investec Direct Lending (IDL), part of the Private Equity Client Group, provides primary debt financing for mid-market corporates, predominantly with enterprise values of 50m to 500m, across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, including DACH and Benelux. Our activity is mainly sponsor-backed and typically event-driven, covering LBOs, MBOs, M&A-led financing, recapitalisations, growth financing and syndicated finance. This Associate role will support our Benelux strategy, with a focus on the Netherlands and Belgium.

The team originates, structures and arranges capital for financial sponsor and corporate clients, and remains closely involved through portfolio management and balance sheet management. We take a flexible approach to financing, customising debt solutions around client need. Structures are typically senior secured and may include term loans, unitranche, revolving credit facilities, capex or acquisition facilities, underwrites and bridge structures. The team also provides debt capital market solutions from the same platform.

What will I be doing?

Structuring and executing debt opportunities,supporting originated transactions through the full deal lifecycle from initial assessment to completion. Providing origination,execution and deal support, working closely with colleagues, financial sponsors, corporates, debt advisers, financial intermediaries, finance partners, due diligence providers and law firms. Delivering high-quality credit analysis,including financial statement analysis, due diligence assessment, financial modelling, risk assessment and deal structuring. Supporting credit approvals and documentation, including preparing materials for internal approval processes and contributing to legal documentation negotiation.

Contributing to balance sheet management, including active optimisation, capital efficiency and ongoing portfolio considerations. Helping deliver business performance, with a focus on income, contribution, return on capital, return on equity and appropriate return hurdles. Strengthening team effectiveness,working collaboratively to support a high-performing, collegiate and enjoyable team environment. What do I need to bring?

Experience in corporate debt,leveraged finance, direct lending, structured finance or a closely related financing environment. Strong execution capability, with experience supporting or driving debt transactions, financial modelling, credit analysis, due diligence and deal structuring. Credibility with clients and advisers, with strong external communication, presentation and relationship-building skills. A high level of competence in analysing company financial statements, business performance, operational risk and financial risk.

Knowledge of structured finance and investment markets, including the ability to identify and structure appropriate financing solutions. Understanding of credit authorisation processes,policies and internal governance, with a strong control and compliance mindset. A proven ability to manage multiple projects, work in small teams and contribute in a fast-paced transaction environment.

Dutch or Flemish language skills would be advantageous, but are not essential. This is a…