Associate, Private Equity
Description
About Ares Private Equity
Ares Private Equity flagship corporate opportunities strategy pursues investments in growth-oriented middle market companies in North America and Europe. Our senior investment professionals average over 22 years of experience investing in, advising, underwriting, and restructuring leveraged companies. We seek to invest in high-quality middle market companies in our core industries - Healthcare, Services, Industrials and Consumer - where we can utilize our extensive growth-oriented investing experience, proprietary Value Creation System, and our ability to flex into distressed to seek to generate consistent returns across market environments.
We focus on identifying and investing in middle market inefficiencies in high-quality, growth-oriented companies where we can seek control or significant influence through two principal transaction types: (i) growth buyouts and (ii) distressed. Our growth buyout-focused approach, with the ability to flex into distressed investing during periods of heightened market volatility, allows us to quickly adapt to changing market environments and continue sourcing and executing on a broad funnel of deal flow irrespective of market conditions. We pursue a relative value investment philosophy focused on identifying opportunities in an effort to maximize attractive net returns, as opposed to limiting opportunities to a specific transaction type or structure.
We believe that this strategy is differentiated amongst our peers and widens our universe of potential investment opportunities beyond that of many other buyout firms.
Primary Functions & Essential Responsibilities
We are looking for a self-motivated individual with a strong interest in investing in a wide variety of industries and transaction structures. This is a Partner-track role that requires 2+ years of prior private equity experience, and the expectation is for strong performers to grow into a leadership seat over time.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Experienced investment professional on track to quarterback an entire deal process over the next 1-2 years
- Lead diligence discussions with the Private Equity group’s investment committee
- Develop detailed diligence plans and drive efficient execution
- Interpret credit agreements, legal agreements and other transaction documentation
- Partner closely with portfolio company management teams to drive growth initiatives
- Provide ongoing mentorship to more junior Associates and Analysts within the Private Equity group and assist with recruitment efforts
Experience Required
- Prospective candidates should have 4-6 years of total relevant work experience and 2-4 years of private equity experience specifically
- Exceptional financial statement analysis, financial modeling, and valuation skills
General Requirements
- Well-rounded interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well in an entrepreneurial environment with limited supervision and handle multiple projects.
- Strong work ethic and communication capabilities
- Maturity to interact with management teams
- Impeccable integrity and trustworthiness
- Ability to work from the Los Angeles (Century City) office 4 days a week
Education
- Bachelor's degree from a leading university
- Exceptional academic record