About the Role: A well-established buy-side financial institution is seeking an experienced Investment Manager to join its Private Debt Markets team.
This role will focus on evaluating, managing, and optimising private debt investments, ensuring strong risk-adjusted returns for the firm.
The Investment Manager will oversee the full investment lifecycle, including due diligence, portfolio management, and reporting, working closely with senior leadership to implement the firm's private debt strategy.
This position offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of private debt assets and contribute to shaping the firm's investment approach in this growing sector.
Key Responsibilities: Conduct comprehensive financial and qualitative analysis, including credit risk assessments, cash flow modelling, and sensitivity analysis, to evaluate private debt investment opportunities presented by external originators and partners.
Lead and coordinate the due diligence process, reviewing financial, operational, and legal aspects of investment opportunities, including risk and compliance considerations.
Collaborate with legal and risk teams to ensure transactions are structured appropriately and comply with regulatory standards and the firm's internal risk frameworks.
Monitor the ongoing performance of private debt investments, managing cash flows, covenant compliance, and risk exposures.
Provide recommendations for portfolio rebalancing and other actions to optimise performance when necessary.
Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior management and the Investment Committee, outlining key investment metrics, risks, and performance updates.
Conduct research on market trends, sector developments, and macroeconomic factors affecting private debt markets, ensuring the investment strategy remains responsive to changing market conditions.
Work closely with senior leadership, risk teams, and external managers to ensure that investment decisions are aligned with the firm's overall strategy and risk appetite.
Key Activities: Conduct thorough analysis of private debt investment proposals from external partners and originators.
Lead internal reviews of deal structures, ensuring that all transactions meet risk and return requirements.
Prepare and submit reports for the Investment Committee, providing clear justifications for all investment decisions.
Monitor the performance of existing investments, identifying areas for optimisation and risk management.
Ensure all investments comply with regulatory standards and the firm's internal policies.
Qualifications and Experience Essential: A bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
A CFA qualification or progression towards it is highly desirable.
5+ years of relevant experience in private debt, private credit, or direct lending, ideally within a buy-side environment (asset management, pension funds, insurance, or private equity).
Demonstrated experience in evaluating, structuring, and managing private debt investments across various asset classes (e.g., corporate, infrastructure, real estate debt).
Strong financial modelling, credit analysis, and valuation skills, with expertise in assessing complex capital structures and risk exposures.
Experience in monitoring and managing private debt portfolios, with a proven track record of optimising performance and managing risks.
Desirable: Familiarity with key private debt markets, including an understanding of the regulatory environment and market trends in the UK and Europe.
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including legal, risk, and compliance, and to build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Strong presentation and report-writing skills, with experience presenting to senior management and investment committees.
Understanding of relevant regulations (e.g., Solvency II) and the ability to ensure investments are compliant with local and international standards.