SUMMARY:
INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE - PRIVATE DEBT to be based in Cape Town (Observatory) OR Johannesburg (Melrose Arch)
Investment Associate – Private Debt
Our client is seeking a highly motivated Investment Associate to join their Private Debt team.
This role is instrumental in supporting the execution and active management of private debt investments across a variety of sectors. You will work closely with senior team members to evaluate investment opportunities, structure deals, conduct in-depth due diligence, and monitor portfolio performance. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the efficient deployment of capital and help drive sustained value for their investors.
POSITION INFO:
THE TOP PRIORITIES OF THE ROLE ARE:
- Deliver accurate and insightful financial modelling and analysis to support sound and informed investment decisions.
- Execute private debt transactions successfully, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and strategic objectives.
- Lead and coordinate comprehensive due diligence processes, identifying and mitigating potential risks early.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust.
- Actively monitor and manage portfolio investments, swiftly identifying and addressing emerging issues to safeguard performance.
IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES, THEN THIS ROLE IS FOR YOU:
Sharp Analytical Thinking
You take a structured, multi-angle approach to complex problems and can confidently form sound opinions. This is vital for credit assessments, materiality judgments, and investment committee recommendations.
Impeccable Attention to Detail
You handle intricate data and documentation with accuracy and care, essential for modelling, due diligence, and flawless execution.
Integrity and Accountability
You operate with discretion and consistently uphold ethical standards, critical when working on sensitive, high-value transactions.
Initiative and Sound Judgement
You know when to act independently and when to escalate. You’re proactive in identifying gaps, proposing solutions, and pushing workstreams forward.
Strong Planning and Execution
You bring structure to chaos - managing deal timelines, diligence trackers, and internal workflows to ensure everything moves on time and to standard.
Agility and Adaptability
You’re comfortable navigating changing conditions, shifting priorities, and dynamic deal contexts without losing momentum or focus.
Composure Under Pressure
You perform reliably in high-stakes, fast-paced environments and don’t crack under the weight of multiple deadlines or tight turnarounds.
Collaborative Spirit
You thrive in lean, high-performing teams and communicate effectively across functions, partners, and external stakeholders.
THE NON-NEGOTIABLE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE ARE:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment Management, or a related field.
- Experience: 3–5 years of relevant experience in private debt, corporate finance, leveraged finance, investment banking, credit analysis, or a related field.
- Technical Skills and Tools: Financial Modelling – Strong Excel skills, including advanced financial modelling (DCF, covenant modelling, scenario analysis) and advanced knowledge of MS Word and PowerPoint.
- Credit Analysis: Solid understanding of credit metrics, capital structures, and risk assessment in lending environments.
- Valuation and Accounting: Familiarity with company valuation methods, financial statement analysis, and corporate accounting principles.
BENEFICIAL, THOUGH NOT ESSENTIAL, ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:- Working knowledge of debt-related legal documentation (e.g. term sheets, loan agreements, security documents).
- Honours or postgraduate degree
- Progress toward or completion of relevant designations such as CFA, CAIA, CAI, AIMC, CA(SA), or FRM.
- Certifications related to credit risk or investment analysis.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:
Transaction Execution & Underwriting- Support all phases of the investment process, from deal origination through to closing.
- Build robust financial models (including cash flow, covenant, and return analyses) and evaluate borrower creditworthiness.
- Contribute to risk assessment, deal structuring, and the preparation of term sheets.
Due Diligence Coordination- Assist in the coordination of third-party due diligence efforts (legal, financial, tax, commercial).
- Manage data rooms, diligence trackers, and internal workflows across multiple teams.
Investment Committee Preparation- Draft comprehensive investment memorandums and presentation materials for committee review.
- Clearly synthesize key risks, mitigants, and return drivers for decision-making.
Market & Borrower Research- Conduct industry, sector, and borrower research to support deal origination and credit assessments.
- Monitor market trends, peer activity, and economic indicators that influence credit risk.
Portfolio Management & Monitoring- Support post-investment monitoring, including borrower engagement, financial analysis, and covenant tracking.
- Maintain performance dashboards and contribute to regular risk reviews and reporting.
Legal Documentation Support- Review and comment on key legal documents, including loan agreements, security packages, and intercreditor arrangements.
- Work closely with legal counsel to ensure documentation accurately reflects commercial terms.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Liaise with legal, finance, and compliance teams throughout the investment lifecycle.
- Contribute to internal process improvements and share insights across the team.
