Direct Lending Investment Professional - Associate

Job Description

DescriptionAbout this roleBusiness Unit Overview Alternatives/CreditThe Global Credit team offers an array of liquid and illiquid credit products designed to meet specific client risk and return profiles. European Middle Market Private Debt team are part of the European Fundamental Credit business, within Global Credit, andprovide, on behalf of BlackRocks clients and funds, mid-market companies with senior and subordinated loans for acquisitions, capital growth, restructuring, LBOs and liquidity situations. The team seeks an experienced Credit Analyst to lead underwriting,fundamental credit analysis, due diligence and approval of new investments. The Global Credit team offers an array of liquid and illiquid credit products designed to meet specific client risk and return profiles. European Private Debt team is part of the European Fundamental Credit business, within Global Credit, and provide, on behalf of BlackRocks clients and funds, mid-market companies with senior, Unitranche and subordinated loans for acquisitions, capital growth,restructuring, LBOs and liquidity situations. The team seeks an experienced Credit Analyst to lead underwriting, fundamental credit analysis, due diligence, documentation negotiation and approval of new investments. Role description: The Associate of Middle Market Private Debt credit research will be responsible for structuring and assessing direct lending investment opportunities across Europe. Partnering with the Origination team and the senior private debt research analyst, she/he willbe responsible for the fundamental credit analysis of direct lending investments made on behalf of our clients and funds for mid-market corporates in the UK and Western Europe as well as cross border transactions alongside BlackRocks North American directlending teams. The European Private Debt team provide mid-market companies with senior and subordinated financing solutions for acquisitions, capital growth, restructuring, LBOs and liquidity situations. The platform spans senior, unitranche, subordinated,sustainable / impact, private high yield and recurring revenue credit products. He or she will lead an effective fundamental credit research analysis and lead the investment process in partnership with the Portfolio Managers and other analysts in the team.The role will entail the following:

• Conduct independent fundamental credit analysis, due diligence and approval of new investments
• Calibrate financing needs and structures for prospective borrowers
• Financial modelling of investment opportunities
• Interact with management teams, private equity sponsors, industry sources, and other investment professionals
• Seek solutions to deal structures and issues within the boundaries of fund parameters in co-ordination with the originator, internal functions and external participants
• Lead role in the investment evaluation process including attendance at management presentations, review of due diligence reports, and preparation of internal investment proposals in conjunction with originators
• Presents Portfolio Managers and Investment Committee with a clear and consistent approach to mitigate credit, legal, industry, ESG and other relevant risks
• Champion selected investment opportunities (in coordination with Origination) through the investment process until completion
• Provides input on or leads negotiation of terms and conditions for transactions and works with originator and legal to ensure appropriate structuring / documentation
• Negotiation and review of transaction legal documentation and liaising with internal and external legal advisers
• Ongoing monitoring of portfolio assets including waivers & amendments, contributing to the quarterly fund valuation process and reporting to investors.
• Involvement in providing portfolio reports and analytics for internal and external use
• Adhere to investment process and operational standards
• Help identify/ manage operational risks and improve processes as relevant

Skills, Experience and Education:

• Excellent credit skills demonstrated through prior relevant (3-7 years) experience underwriting, structuring and executing direct lending/private debt and/or leveraged finance transactions
• Ability to direct the structuring of a transaction, manage transaction process with internal and external parties and working with originators to complete investment opportunities
• Strong financial modelling and legal documentation skills
• Motivated team player and flexible in approach with ability to work independently
• Must demonstrate integrity and alignment to BlackRocks principles and commitment as a trusted fiduciary to our clients.
• Flexible, responsive with keen attention to detail.
• Open-minded thought process and intellectual honesty with an ability to dynamically adapt to coverage of different products
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - presents ideas in a clear, concise and constructive manner
• Sector expertise is an advantage (Healthcare, Software, Technology, etc.)

Our benefitsTo help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources tosupport your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about. Our hybrid work model BlackRocks current hybrid work model is designed to enable in-person connections and collaboration that is core to our culture, while supporting increased flexibility for all employees. In line with local health guidance and regulations, employees are requiredto work at least 3 days in the office each week, with the flexibility to work from home up to 2 days a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. The health, safety and well-being of our people willalways be our top priorities; we will continue to monitor local conditions and health advisories in making decisions about our work environments. About BlackRockAt BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-bei