Private Equity Associate

Pearse Partners; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading private equity firm in London seeks a Private Equity Associate to actively engage in the full investment lifecycle, from deal origination to exit. Candidates must have a minimum of 18 months of experience in M&A investment banking or private equity and demonstrate strong skills in financial modelling and analysis. The ideal applicant will have an excellent academic record and thrive in a fast-paced environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to dynamic investment projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months’ experience in M&A investment banking, private equity, or a closely related transaction-focused role.
• Demonstrated exposure to private equity transactions, either through direct investing or advisory work.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate potential investments through detailed financial, commercial, and strategic analysis.
• Build and review robust financial models (LBOs, operating models, sensitivities).
• Support due diligence processes and coordinate with external advisors.
• Prepare high-quality materials for internal decision-making and investment committees.
• Conduct sector and thematic research aligned with the firm’s investment strategy.
• Support origination efforts through market mapping and target screening.
• Monitor portfolio company performance and analyze key financial and operating metrics.
• Support value creation initiatives, add-on acquisitions, and exit processes.

Skills

Strong financial modelling

Valuation skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Undergraduate degree from a leading university

Job description

Private Equity Associate (London)

Helios Investment Partners is a leading Africa-focused private equity firm with a strong track record of partnering with exceptional management teams to build market-leading businesses. The firm combines deep local insight with global institutional standards.

Role Overview

Helios is seeking a high‑calibre Associate to join its London-based investment team. The Associate will be actively involved across the full investment lifecycle, including deal origination, execution, portfolio support, and exits. This role is well suited to top-performing M&A bankers seeking to transition into private equity.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Execution

• Evaluate potential investments through detailed financial, commercial, and strategic analysis.
• Build and review robust financial models (LBOs, operating models, sensitivities).
• Support due diligence processes and coordinate with external advisors.
• Prepare high-quality materials for internal decision‑making and investment committees.

Origination & Research

• Conduct sector and thematic research aligned with the firm’s investment strategy.
• Support origination efforts through market mapping and target screening.

Portfolio & Value Creation

• Monitor portfolio company performance and analyze key financial and operating metrics.
• Support value creation initiatives, add‑on acquisitions, and exit processes.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Minimum 18 months’ experience in M&A investment banking, private equity, or a closely related transaction‑focused role.
• Demonstrated exposure to private equity transactions, either through direct investing or advisory work.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• High levels of intellectual curiosity, professionalism, and work ethic.
• Ability to perform in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment.

Education

• Outstanding academic record with an undergraduate degree from a leading university.