Private Equity Investment Associate

Darwin Hawkins; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Hawkins is seeking an Investment Associate for our Dublin client, a respected private equity investor. The role covers origination through execution and value creation across a diverse portfolio, working closely with Partners and Investment Directors.

The ideal candidate has 3–6 years’ experience in related fields, strong modelling and valuation skills, and a track record of progressing in challenging environments. A proactive, collaborative mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years' experience within Investment Banking, M&A Advisory, Transaction Services, Corporate Finance or Private Equity.
• Experience working on complex transactions and interacting with senior stakeholders.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and analytical capabilities.
• Progression shown by academic record and career trajectory.

Responsibilities

• Deal Execution – Support acquisitions and exits across the full transaction lifecycle.
• Financial Analysis – Build and maintain detailed financial and valuation models.
• Due Diligence – Coordinate financial, commercial and legal workstreams with external advisers.
• Investment Committee Materials – Prepare investment papers and support key decision-making processes.
• Portfolio Engagement – Work alongside management teams to monitor performance and support growth initiatives.
• Market Intelligence – Identify attractive sectors, themes and investment opportunities.
• Stakeholder Interaction – Develop relationships with management teams, lenders and advisers.
• Value Creation – Contribute to strategic initiatives across portfolio companies.

Skills

Financial modelling

Valuation

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Relationship building

Commercial acumen

Education

Excellent academic credentials

Job description

Job Title: Private Equity Investment Associate

Sector: Private Equity

Location: Dublin

Salary: DOE plus bonus and benefits

Our Client

Our client is a highly regarded Private Equity investor with a long-standing track record of partnering with ambitious businesses and supporting management teams through periods of significant growth and transformation. Due to continued investment activity and a strong deal pipeline, they are seeking to appoint an Investment Associate to join their Dublin team.

Why should you apply?

The role offers exposure across all aspects of the investment lifecycle, with Associates playing a hands-on role from origination through to execution and portfolio value creation. You will work directly with Partners and Investment Directors, gaining exposure to senior management teams and helping shape strategic decisions across a diverse portfolio of businesses.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to build a long-term career in Private Equity within a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

Who should apply?

This opportunity is ideally suited to high-performing professionals looking to make the move into Private Equity or individuals already operating within an investment environment seeking a platform with exceptional long-term prospects.

Experience in the following areas would be beneficial:

• 3-6 years' experience within Investment Banking, M&A Advisory, Transaction Services, Corporate Finance or Private Equity.
• Experience working on complex transactions and interacting with senior stakeholders.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent academic credentials and a track record of progression.
• Commercially minded with an intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in businesses and how they create value.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with management teams, advisers and investors.

Role and Reporting Lines

Working closely with Partners and Investment Directors, responsibilities will include:

• Deal Execution – Support acquisitions and exits across the full transaction lifecycle.
• Financial Analysis – Build and maintain detailed financial and valuation models.
• Due Diligence – Coordinate financial, commercial and legal workstreams with external advisers.
• Investment Committee Materials – Prepare investment papers and support key decision-making processes.
• Portfolio Engagement – Work alongside management teams to monitor performance and support growth initiatives.
• Market Intelligence – Identify attractive sectors, themes and investment opportunities.
• Stakeholder Interaction – Develop relationships with management teams, lenders and advisers.
• Value Creation – Contribute to strategic initiatives across portfolio companies.