2-4 PQE Private Equity Associate

Rutherford; City Of London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutherford in London seeks a Private Equity Associate to advise leading private equity firms on investments, bolt-on acquisitions, portfolio matters and exits. You will work closely with founders and management teams, helping minimise risk while maximising returns for investors.

The role offers exposure to high-quality work and career progression in a client-focused environment, with autonomy to drive deals and contribute to firm growth.

Qualifications

• England & Wales qualified with 2-4 years PQE from a top-tier corporate practice.
• Experience in private equity deal structuring and market practice.
• Proven experience working with leading mid-market or large-cap investors is highly advantageous.
• Outstanding academic credentials.

Responsibilities

• Assist sponsors in building and executing their deal pipeline and supporting investments.
• Identify new opportunities through direct deal origination and market coverage.
• Execute buy-side mandates with speed and certainty in competitive processes.
• Provide clients with commercial advice through the lifecycle of an investment to support value enhancement.
• Contribute to supervision and development of other team members.
• Participate in business and practice development activities to grow the firm.

Skills

Company law

Corporate transactions

Private equity deal structuring

Education

England & Wales Qualified

Job description

Join a highly regarded US firm's private equity team in London, advising top investors on deal pipelines while working alongside industry experts. This role offers exposure to high-quality work, collaboration with elite teams across multiple practice areas and a competitive New York/Cravath salary. Ideal for a driven Associate who can hit the ground running, working autonomously in a high-performing, client-focused environment with strong career progression prospects.

Position Overview

As a Private Equity Associate, you will play a crucial role in advising several prominent private equity firms on investments, bolt-on acquisitions, portfolio matters and exits. You will work closely with founders and management teams on transactions financed by private equity, helping to minimise risk while maximising returns for investors.

Responsibilities

• Assist sponsors in building and executing their deal pipeline, supporting investments throughout their growth and achieving the best possible exit
• Identify new opportunities through direct deal origination, market coverage calls and divestment trackers
• Execute buy-side mandates with speed and certainty during competitive processes
• Provide clients with commercial advice through the lifecycle of an investment to support value enhancement strategies
• Contribute to the supervision and development of other team members
• Participate in business and practice development activities to further the firm's growth and success

Requirements

• England & Wales Qualified with 2-4 years PQE from a top-tier corporate practice
• Strong grounding in company law and corporate transaction experience, including private equity deal structuring and market practice
• Proven experience working with leading mid-market or large cap investors highly advantageous
• Outstanding academic credentials