Private Equity Associate

Selby Jennings; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is partnering with an actively investing private equity firm to recruit an Associate to join its investment team, focused on control buyout and growth-oriented investments in the lower-middle market.

The Associate will work closely with senior investors, manage live transactions, and contribute to all aspects of the deal process in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Prior private equity or investment banking background.
• Experience with buyouts and growth-oriented deals.
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze prospective buyout and control investments.
• Coordinate diligence across internal teams and external advisors.
• Prepare investment materials and internal memoranda.
• Support transaction structuring and deal execution through closing.
• Assist with post-close initiatives and add-on acquisitions.
• Operate across multiple processes with autonomy.

Skills

Financial modeling

Diligence management

Deal execution

Team collaboration

Education

Investment banking or private equity background

Job description

We are partnered with an actively investing private equity firm to recruit an Associate to join its investment team, focused on control buyout and growth‑oriented investments in the lower‑middle market. This is an opportunity to join a lean platform that is actively deploying capital and preparing for its next phase of growth.

Our client is seeking a candidate who wants meaningful responsibility early in their career and exposure to all aspects of the deal process, working closely with senior investors in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

Role Overview

The Associate will play a core role in evaluating and executing majority buyout transactions and related add‑on investments. The position is execution‑focused and non‑sourcing, designed for someone who thrives on owning workstreams, managing diligence, and contributing directly to investment decisions.

We are partnered with an actively investing private equity firm to recruit an Associate to join its investment team, focused on control buyout and growth‑oriented investments in the lower‑middle market. This is an opportunity to join a lean platform that is actively deploying capital and preparing for its next phase of growth.

Our client is seeking a candidate who wants meaningful responsibility early in their career and exposure to all aspects of the deal process, working closely with senior investors in a highly collaborative, fast‑paced environment.

Role Overview

The Associate will play a core role in evaluating and executing majority buyout transactions and related add‑on investments. The position is execution‑focused and non‑sourcing, designed for someone who thrives on owning workstreams, managing diligence, and contributing directly to investment decisions.

From the outset, the Associate will be involved in live transactions and will have regular interaction with senior leadership throughout the investment lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze prospective buyout and control investments through company research, market assessment, and financial modeling
• Manage and coordinate diligence across internal teams, external advisors, and management
• Prepare investment materials, including financial analyses and internal memoranda
• Support transaction structuring, negotiations, and deal execution through closing
• Assist with early post‑close initiatives and strategic projects, including add‑on acquisitions
• Operate across multiple processes simultaneously with a high degree of autonomy

Investment Strategy

Our client focuses on lower‑middle‑market investments in software, technology, and tech‑enabled services. Transactions are typically control‑oriented and may involve founder partnerships, complex situations, or platform build‑outs. The firm emphasizes active ownership and disciplined capital deployment.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Prior private equity experience with exposure to buyout transactions
• Buy‑side exposure and interest in software, technology, and tech‑enabled services
• Direct involvement in completed transactions and tangible execution experienceStrong financial modeling and analytical skills
• Training from a rigorous investment environment (PE or investment banking)
• Comfort operating in a small‑team setting with high accountability and limited hierarchy

This role is best suited for someone ready to move beyond a purely supportive role and take on increasing responsibility within the deal process.

Culture & Growth

The firm values intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and initiative. Team members are expected to operate independently while maintaining a strong collaborative mindset. As the firm scales, there is a clear opportunity for professional growth and long‑term alignment.