Senior Associate

Salt Capital; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity firm in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Senior Associate / Junior Principal to support the entire investment lifecycle, from origination to exit. This role requires a high-calibre investment professional with strong analytical skills and the ability to independently lead transactions. Responsibilities include conducting due diligence, building financial models, and supporting portfolio companies. The position offers significant exposure to high-impact deals across SADC and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Exposure to high-impact private equity transactions

Meaningful responsibility and career progression

Close collaboration with senior management

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in private equity, corporate finance or a relevant transactional role.
• Experience from a top-tier international accounting firm, a principal investment house or an investment bank is a strong advantage.
• Deep understanding of valuation methodologies, financial statements and investment analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and or support transactions across the full investment lifecycle.
• Drive and coordinate due diligence processes.
• Build and review advanced financial models and valuations.
• Prepare and negotiate transaction documentation.

Skills

Advanced financial analysis skills

Strong commercial judgment

Leadership and stakeholder-management skills

Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

Education

CA(SA), CFA Charterholder, MBA or relevant advanced degree

Job description

Company Description

Salt Capital is a private equity fund manager with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The company invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within consumer-facing industries including healthcare, financial services, food and beverages and several other sectors. The firm is dedicated to driving growth and delivering sustainable returns by supporting businesses that have the potential for expanding their impact across the region.

Location

Base location in Johannesburg with travel across SADC

Role Overview

Salt Capital is seeking an experienced Senior Associate / Junior Principal to support the Partners across the full private equity investment lifecycle, from origination and execution through portfolio management and exit.

This role requires a high‑calibre investment professional with strong commercial judgment, advanced financial analysis skills, and the ability to independently lead transactions. The successful candidate will play a key role in deal execution, due diligence coordination, portfolio oversight and value‑creation initiatives across SADC based investments.

The position offers significant responsibility, exposure to senior decision‑making, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to portfolio company governance and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and/or support transactions across the full investment lifecycle, including origination, evaluation, negotiation, execution, monitoring and exit
• Drive and coordinate comprehensive commercial, financial, legal and operational due diligence processes
• Build and review advanced financial models, valuations and transaction structures
• Prepare and negotiate transaction documentation in collaboration with advisors
• Support portfolio companies with strategic initiatives, performance monitoring and value‑creation plans
• Assist with the implementation and strengthening of corporate governance frameworks within portfolio companies
• Represent Salt Capital on portfolio company boards, including serving as an Alternate Director where appropriate
• Contribute to investment origination within defined sector and geographic focus areas
• Mentor and develop Associates and Analysts within the investment team

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in private equity, corporate finance or a relevant transactional role
• Professional qualification such as CA(SA), CFA Charterholder, MBA or a relevant advanced degree
• Experience from either a top‑tier international accounting firm, a principal investment house or an investment bank is a strong advantage
• Strong execution capabilities, including advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
• Deep understanding of valuation methodologies, financial statements and investment analysis
• Solid working knowledge of financial markets, regulatory environments, and transaction‑related legal considerations (including tax and company law)
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder‑management skills

What We Offer

• Exposure to high‑impact private equity transactions across SADC
• Meaningful responsibility and career progression within a growing investment platform
• Close collaboration with Partners and portfolio company leadership teams