At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful transformations in mid-market businesses through strategic M&A and operational turnarounds.
- Company: Join Mutares, a leading global private equity investor with a focus on special situations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture with hands-on involvement in portfolio management.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of turning around businesses and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years in restructuring or turnaround M&A; strong financial modelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Mutares is a leading global private equity investor specializing in special situations, corporate carve-outs, and operational turnarounds. We target European mid-market businesses (revenues €100m–€750m) that face operational or financial challenges, transforming non-core corporate assets into profitable, sustainable stand-alone businesses. As an Investment Associate in our London office, you will sit at the intersection of deal execution, complex transaction structuring, and intense operational transformation. You will play a critical hands-on role across the entire Mutares value creation lifecycle: Acquisition, Realignment, Optimization, and Harvesting.
Key Responsibilities
- Special Situations M&A & Carve-Out Execution
- Transaction Structuring: Evaluate complex, non-standard deal structures, including corporate carve-outs, negative enterprise value deals, distress/restructuring situations, and debt-funded buy-and-build additions.
- Financial Modeling: Build dynamic financial, LBO, and liquidity/cash flow projection models from scratch. Model turnaround scenarios, debt restructurings, 13-week cash forecasts, and return profiles targeted at high ROIC thresholds.
- Commercial & Operational Due Diligence: Uncover hidden value drivers and identify immediate cost-out, working capital optimization, and operational efficiency potential during brief DD windows.
- Investment Memos: Prepare rigorous Investment Committee (IC) presentations advocating for complex turnaround investments.
- Active Portfolio Transformation & Realignment
- Day-1 Standalone Setup: Assist internal consulting teams and senior leadership in establishing standalone infrastructure (IT, HR, Finance, Supply Chain) for carve-outs separated from former corporate parents.
- Turnaround Management: Work alongside portfolio executive teams to execute immediate 100-day stabilization plans, cost-restructuring projects, and margin expansion strategies.
- Inorganic Growth: Source and execute strategic bolt-on acquisitions to accelerate the scale and profitability of existing platform investments.
- Sourcing & Industry Coverage
- Map corporate sellers, blue-chip conglomerates, and advisory networks (restructuring boutiques, corporate finance, insolvency practitioners) to source non-core carve-out opportunities.
- Analyze targets across Mutares' primary operational segments: Automotive & Mobility, Engineering & Technology, Goods & Services, and Infrastructure & Special Industry.
Candidate Profile
- Required Experience & Background
- Experience: 2–4 years of experience within:
- Restructuring, Turnaround, or Special Situations M&A at an Investment Bank or Advisory Boutique.
- Big 4 Transaction Services (Special Situations, Carve-out / Restructuring, or Operational Deal Advisory).
- Strategy Consulting with heavy emphasis on commercial/operational due diligence and corporate turnarounds.
- Special Situations PE / Distress / Value PE Fund (as an Analyst/Associate).
- Education: Top-tier academic credentials in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or STEM.
- Technical & Functional Skills
- Carve-out & Turnaround Acumen: Deep understanding of corporate carve-out mechanics, TSA (Transition Services Agreement) dependencies, and working capital dynamics in loss-making or low-yield assets.
- Advanced Modeling: Master-level Excel skills with speed and precision in modeling distressed debt, cash burn, working capital, and restructuring costs.
- Crisis & Change Management Focus: Strong pragmatic drive—comfortable working with incomplete data, fast-paced execution timelines, and operational ambiguity.
- Mindset & Soft Skills
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Hands-on "equity entrepreneur" attitude—willing to roll up sleeves and engage directly in portfolio turnaround activities.
- Resilience & Candor: Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to deal directly with distressed sellers, union representatives, and portfolio management teams.
Private Equity Associate - Mid-Market in Slough employer: Brock & Decker
Join a dynamic and mission-driven team in London, where your passion for the clean energy sector will be valued and nurtured. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to engage in high-impact transactions that contribute to the energy transition. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to sustainability, we provide a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in corporate finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Private Equity Associate - Mid-Market in Slough
✨Get Involved in Finance Communities
Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Brock & Decker, who often scout for talent at such events.
✨Utilise Networking Platforms
Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Brock & Decker.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Brock & Decker.
✨Engage with Recruitment Events
Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Brock & Decker, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Private Equity Associate - Mid-Market in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Brock & Decker want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Brock & Decker.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Brock & Decker will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.
Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Brock & Decker. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brock & Decker
✨Brush Up on Financial Modelling
For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.
✨Know Your Investment Strategies
Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since this is a full-time role, companies like Brock & Decker want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.
✨Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals
As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withBrock & Decker.
