The Platform
Our client is an independent, partner-owned advisory house that operates at the nexus of private markets and sophisticated capital formation. Active across Western Europe and North America, the firm is renowned for architecting bespoke balance-sheet solutions for founder-led businesses and sponsor-backed assets in the upper-mid market. A lean partnership model and cross-border execution bench ensure fast decision-making and deep senior attention on every mandate.
The Debt Advisory Franchise
Within the broader advisory suite, the Strategic Debt & Capital Solutions team advises on the entire credit spectrum—senior, unitranche, second-lien, preferred equity, structured hybrids and special-situations paper—delivering optimised terms for acquisitions, growth investments, refinancings, dividend recaps and rescue financings. Long-standing relationships with commercial banks, private credit funds and CLO managers underpin the practice’s ability to place €50–350 million tickets despite volatile markets.
Key Responsibilities – What You Will Drive
Mandate Leadership
Take full ownership of live transaction processes from initial structuring to final funding, running multiple mandates in parallel under tight, sponsor-driven timelines.
Capital Stack Architecture
Design optimal financing structures that balance covenant flexibility, pricing and security ranking. Lead scenario modeling to stress-test coverage ratios, cash-flow sweeps and intercreditor waterfalls.
Process Origination & Structuring
Draft investor-facing materials including investment memoranda and lender education packs. Manage virtual data rooms and choreograph lender engagement—Q&A, site visits, and management presentations—positioning the credit story for maximum traction.
Market Sounding & Syndication Strategy
Leverage proprietary market insights to identify and engage the most competitive capital providers—ranging from commercial banks and direct lenders to institutional TL-B buyers. Run “mini-club” processes and structured RFPs to generate pricing tension and optimal terms.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as the day-to-day sparring partner for CFOs, deal teams, and investment committees. Negotiate covenant suites, margin ratchets, and call protection mechanics directly with credit committees and external counsel.
Documentation & Closing
Lead the documentation process across facility agreements, intercreditor deeds, and equity commitment letters. Coordinate conditions precedent, funds-flow planning, and risk mitigation strategies through to closing.
Team Leadership & Franchise Development
Mentor and develop Associates and Analysts, embedding best-in-class modelling standards, credit paper discipline, and Q&A precision. Contribute to the firm’s broader sponsor coverage strategy through thought leadership and cross-sell initiatives.
Candidate Blueprint
* Experience : 6–8 years in debt advisory, leveraged finance, or sponsor coverage at a top-tier investment bank, advisory boutique or credit platform
* Execution Prowess : Demonstrated track record leading mid-market financing transactions in the €50–350 million range
* Technical Toolkit : Advanced LBO modelling and covenant structuring capabilities; fluency with LMA documentation and intercreditor mechanics
* Leadership : Strong people management and process ownership skills; ability to coach junior talent while maintaining exceptional client deliverables
* Commercial Instinct : Well-networked with capital providers; intuitive understanding of credit appetite, process design and market calibration
* Languages : Native-level German and fluent English required; other European languages are a plus
* Mindset : Entrepreneurial, analytically sharp and collaborative, with a long-term commitment to value creation in private markets
What’s on Offer
* High-Velocity Execution Environment : Multiple live mandates across sectors and capital structures
* Flat Partnership Culture : Direct access to senior leadership and fast decision-making
* Cross-Border Platform : European coverage with transatlantic deal connectivity
* Aligned Incentives : Competitive base compensation and performance-linked bonus, with clear progression path