Associate Director - Private Debt

Capital Executive Search; Sydney; On-site; AUD 165,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial recruitment firm is seeking an Associate Director – Private Debt in Sydney. The successful candidate will lead private debt investments, requiring 8-10 years of experience in relevant fields and strong financial modeling skills. You will present investment theses and mentor junior team members in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in private debt, leveraged finance, structured credit, investment banking, or private equity.
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated track record of executing private credit transactions.
• Ability to think across the capital structure.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and execution of private credit investments.
• Build and review robust financial models.
• Conduct detailed due diligence and coordinate with external advisors.
• Present investment theses to the Investment Committee.

Skills

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Attention to detail

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Economics, Accounting

Post-graduate qualifications (CFA, MBA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Bloomberg

Capital IQ

Job description

Overview

Base pay range: A$165,000.00/yr - A$195,000.00/yr

This range is provided by Capital Executive Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Job Title:

• Associate Director – Private Debt

Location:

• Sydney or Melbourne

About Us

• Our client is a leading private debt fund with a flexible mandate across the credit spectrum, including senior secured debt, mezzanine, unitranche, and structured credit. With a strong track record of deploying capital across diverse sectors and deal structures, the fund seeks to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns while maintaining disciplined credit underwriting standards.

Job Description

• The Associate Director will play a key role in originating, evaluating, structuring, and executing private debt investments. This individual will bring a strong understanding of both credit and equity fundamentals, with the ability to assess deals through a holistic capital structure lens. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on investor with deep financial modelling expertise and a proven ability to lead complex transactions from end-to-end.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and execution of private credit investments across a variety of sectors and instruments (senior, subordinated, mezzanine, uni-tranche, structured finance).
• Build and review robust financial models, including scenario analysis, covenant stress testing, and capital structure sensitivity.
• Conduct detailed due diligence (commercial, financial, legal) and coordinate with external advisors.
• Assess transactions with a hybrid debt and equity mindset, considering downside protection, collateral, return profiles, and potential equity upside.
• Present investment theses and recommendations to the Investment Committee with clarity and conviction.
• Monitor portfolio companies, assess ongoing performance, and support portfolio management strategy.
• Contribute to origination efforts by leveraging networks and market relationships.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a high-performance investment culture.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in private debt, leveraged finance, structured credit, investment banking, or private equity.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills with a rigorous approach to credit risk assessment.
• Demonstrated track record of executing private credit transactions.
• Ability to think across the capital structure and evaluate deals from both a lender’s and investor’s perspective.
• Commercial acumen, strong presentation skills, and sound judgment in high-stakes decision-making.
• High attention to detail, proactive mindset, and ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment.
• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field; post-graduate qualifications (e.g., CFA, MBA) advantageous but not essential.

Skills

• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis and valuation techniques.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg, Capital IQ).