Associate – Private Equity | Special Situations

Associate – Private Equity | Special SituationsLocation: Bavavia, GermanyPlatform: Independent Investment Firm | Special Situations & Corporate TransformationsThe FirmOur client is a German-headquartered private equity investor recognised for its expertise in complex corporate transformations, special situations, and strategic carve-outs across the DACH region. The firm partners with corporates, family owners, and management teams to acquire and reposition non-core or underperforming assets, unlocking long-term value through strategic, operational, and financial realignment.With a philosophy rooted in partnership and precision, the team combines institutional discipline with the agility of an entrepreneurial investor. Its professionals bring together backgrounds in investment banking, consulting, and operational leadership—allowing the firm to execute intricate transactions with speed, conviction, and depth of understanding. The culture is merit-driven, collaborative, and commercially minded, offering every member of the investment team tangible exposure to high-impact decision-making.The OpportunityThe incoming Associate will join a lean, high-performing team operating at the intersection of private equity investing and corporate transformation. The role encompasses the full investment lifecycle—origination, evaluation, structuring, execution, portfolio value creation, and exit—with direct exposure to senior partners and portfolio company leadership.This is a role for an intellectually curious and commercially astute professional who thrives in dynamic environments where no two transactions are the same. The Associate will work on carve-outs from large corporates, succession-driven buyouts, distressed assets, and other event-driven opportunities, taking ownership of critical analytical and strategic workstreams that directly shape investment outcomes.Key ResponsibilitiesOrigination & Market IntelligenceDevelop deep insight into target sectors—industrial technology, business services, manufacturing, and engineered products—to identify emerging investment opportunities.Support the development of proprietary deal flow through proactive market screening, relationship-building, and hypothesis-driven research into special situations and corporate divestitures.Transaction ExecutionLead the analytical backbone of transaction processes: perform detailed financial modelling, valuation, and scenario analysis; coordinate due diligence and support negotiations.Structure transactions in collaboration with partners, legal advisors, and financing institutions, ensuring alignment between commercial rationale and operational feasibility.Portfolio Value CreationPartner with management teams on post-investment initiatives, including performance improvement, cost optimisation, digital transformation, and strategic repositioning.Monitor KPIs and investment performance, contribute to value-tracking frameworks, and identify opportunities for bolt-on acquisitions or strategic exits.Strategic & Stakeholder EngagementPrepare investment memoranda and board-level materials articulating investment theses, risk assessments, and value creation strategies.Maintain active dialogue with management, industry experts, and advisors, building a strong external network to support origination and portfolio development efforts.Candidate ProfileProfessional Experience2–4 years of relevant experience in Private Equity, M&A Advisory, Leveraged Finance, Transaction Services, or Strategy Consulting, ideally with exposure to carve-outs, restructuring, or complex cross-border deals.Technical CompetenceExceptional financial modelling and valuation capabilities; fluent in interpreting P&L, balance sheet, and cash-flow dynamics.Proven ability to synthesise operational and financial data into clear, actionable insights.Strategic Acumen & MindsetStrong commercial judgement with a pragmatic, hands-on approach to value creation.Entrepreneurial thinker with intellectual curiosity, analytical discipline, and resilience under pressure.Collaborative, low-ego team player who thrives in a fast-moving, performance-oriented environment.LanguagesFull professional fluency in German and English required; additional European languages considered an advantage.Why JoinThis role offers the opportunity to become a core member of one of Munich’s most respected mid-market investment platforms, distinguished by its focus on real-economy value creation and hands-on approach to investing.You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced investors who have successfully executed numerous transformational deals across the region. The platform provides early exposure to complex transactions, genuine ownership, and the opportunity to grow into a well-rounded investor with a rare blend of financial, operational, and strategic experience.