(Senior) Investment Associate (f/m/d)

Job description

Your mission Bright Capital is looking to hire a (Senior) Investment Associate (f/m/d) for its Frankfurt office to strengthen its private debt investment team, focusing on the European lower mid-market. Our strategy centres on non-sponsored direct lending, with a particular focus on independent sponsor-backed buy-and-build platforms, underpinned by a highly flexible investment approach. This role offers exposure to a broad and varied range of transaction structures and opportunities. You will support the investment team across the entire investment lifecycle. You will work closely with senior management while also taking on individual responsibilities in executing transactions and managing existing investments. Key Responsibilities: Origination & Execution: Source, evaluate and execute private debt investment opportunities primarily across the DACH region, alongside selective opportunities across Western Europe, including the Benelux, Nordics and UK Financial Analysis: Develop and maintain financial models, perform valuation, sensitivity and scenario analyses, and assess the financial performance, credit profile and investment merits of prospective transactions Due Diligence & Structuring: Coordinate and evaluate financial, commercial, legal and tax due diligence workstreams, support transaction structuring, and assist in the negotiation of key legal documentation Investment Committee & Deal Execution: Prepare investment memoranda and approval materials, present investment opportunities to senior stakeholders and the investment committee, and support deal execution through signing and closing Portfolio Management: Monitor existing investments, analyse performance, and engage with portfolio companies Network: Build, maintain, and expand a strong professional network with key industry stakeholders, including advisers, law firms, management teams and financial sponsors Your profile We are looking for an individual with excellent technical and modelling competencies, an entrepreneurial attitude, and great German market knowledge as well as language skills to join our investment team. Key skills and experience include: 3-5 years of experience across leveraged finance, debt advisory, private credit or other relevant private equity or investment banking Demonstrated credit underwriting experience with a thorough understanding of credit fundamentals, capital structures, legal documentation and structuring Advanced financial modelling skills (including DCF and LBO) Prior exposure to financing documentation, with the ability to understand and assess key commercial, legal, and credit-related terms Good understanding of the DACH and wider European corporate/sponsor market, with a particular focus on the small to mid-cap space Ability to work on multiple deals concurrently and quickly identify key issues and mitigants Strong commercial mindset and business acumen are essential Entrepreneurial and self-starting attitude to match our dynamic culture Strong communication skills and fluency in German and English If you are looking for a dynamic and fast-paced environment where you can make an impact, we look forward to receiving your application! Why us? Bright Capital offers a highly flexible hybrid working model to achieve your goals in the environment in which you are most productive. Key benefits: Fast-paced entrepreneurial culture with a well-established name in the market and a strong track record in the lower mid-market An investment mandate to invest across sectors, geographies and the capital structure Direct exposure to senior management and a clear pathway for professional development and career progression Meaningful responsibility from an early stage and exposure to all aspects of the investment lifecycle Flexible hybrid working model, modern office facilities in central Frankfurt, and attractive company benefits including sports and wellness programmes, team events, and complimentary refreshments