Private Equity Associate

Private Equity Associate - Leading Lower Middle Market Private Equity Firm

Overview

Our client is a Philadelphia-area lower middle market private equity firm with over $2 billion in assets under management, focused on control and growth investments in founder-led businesses across business and professional services, healthcare services, education, and technology services.

The firm partners closely with management teams to drive value through operational improvements, add-on acquisitions, and strategic growth initiatives. The private equity firm operates with a sector-focused model, providing Associates the opportunity to develop deep expertise within a dedicated vertical.

The Role

Our client is seeking an Associate to join the investment team. This individual will play a key role in the execution of transactions and support portfolio company initiatives, working closely with senior members of the firm across all stages of the investment lifecycle.

At the Associate level, the role is primarily execution-focused, with an approximate 80/20 split between deal execution and portfolio management exposure. Associates are embedded within lean deal teams and are given meaningful responsibility early in their tenure.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain complex financial models, including LBO analysis
• Support transaction execution, including due diligence, deal structuring, and closing processes
• Conduct industry, market, and company-level research across target sectors
• Prepare investment committee materials and presentations
• Monitor and support portfolio company performance and value creation initiatives
• Collaborate with senior team members on strategic initiatives and add-on acquisitions

Candidate Profile

• 2-3 years of experience in investment banking or a transaction-oriented role
• Strong financial modeling skillset, including LBO experience
• Background in M&A (sell-side or buy-side) preferred
• Experience at an elite boutique or middle market platform is highly relevant
• Demonstrated track record of academic excellence (typically 3.5 GPA or above)
• Consistent career progression with limited job movement
• Evidence of leadership, commitment, and involvement outside of academics (e.g., athletics, organizations, etc.)