Private Equity Associate

Associate, Private Equity

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Position: Associate

Sector Focus: Diversified Industrials, Business Services, Consumer, Distribution, and Niche Manufacturing

About the Firm

Our client is a leading lower middle market private equity firm focused on partnering with founder-owned and family-owned businesses across North America. The firm invests in established companies with strong market positions and works closely with management teams to drive growth through strategic initiatives, operational improvement programs, and targeted acquisitions.

The investment team operates in a highly entrepreneurial environment, offering significant responsibility, direct access to senior leadership, and exposure to every stage of the investment lifecycle.

Position Overview

The Associate will be an integral member of the investment team, supporting the sourcing, evaluation, execution, and management of private equity investments. This individual will work closely with senior investment professionals and portfolio company management teams across all aspects of the investment process, including financial analysis, due diligence, transaction execution, portfolio monitoring, and value creation initiatives.

This role is ideal for a motivated investment professional seeking hands-on transaction experience and meaningful career development within a collaborative and growth-oriented platform.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Execution

• Evaluate new investment opportunities across targeted industries.
• Build and analyze detailed financial models, including LBO, acquisition, merger, and operating models.
• Conduct industry, market, and competitive landscape research.
• Support due diligence processes, including management meetings, customer calls, market assessments, and coordination with third-party advisors.
• Assist in preparing investment committee materials and recommendations.
• Participate in transaction negotiations and closing activities.

Portfolio Management

• Monitor portfolio company financial performance and key operating metrics.
• Support management teams in strategic growth initiatives and add-on acquisitions.
• Assist with board meeting preparation and portfolio reviews.
• Analyze business performance trends and identify value creation opportunities.

Business Development

• Support sourcing and origination efforts alongside senior investment professionals.
• Track market trends, industry developments, and proprietary deal flow opportunities.
• Develop relationships with investment bankers, lenders, executives, intermediaries, and other industry participants.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record.

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following:

• Investment Banking

• Private Equity

• Transaction Advisory Services

• Corporate Development

• Leveraged Finance

• Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills.

• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.