Senior Principal Investments - Growth/Venture Debt Operating Partner

This job is with Deutsche Bank, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Position Overview

About DWS: Today, markets face a whole new set of pressures – but also a whole lot of opportunity too. Opportunity to innovate differently. Opportunity to invest responsibly. And opportunity to make change. Join us at DWS, and you can be part of an industry-leading firm with a global presence. You can lead ambitious opportunities and shape the future of investing. You can support our clients, local communities, and the environment. We’re looking for creative thinkers and innovators to join us as the world continues to transform. As whole markets change, one thing remains clear; our people always work together to capture the opportunities of tomorrow. As investors on behalf of our clients, it is our role to find investment solutions. Ensuring the best possible foundation for our clients’ financial future. And in return, we’ll give you the support and platform to develop new skills, make an impact and work alongside some of the industry’s greatest thought leaders. This is your chance to achieve your goals and lead an extraordinary career. This is your chance to invest in your future.

Team / Division overview

The DWS Alternatives business is a diversified set of business activities with approximately EUR 130bn in assets under management in strategies including Private Real Estate, Private Infrastructure, Private Credit, Liquid Real Assets (Real Estate/Infrastructure and Commodity Securities) and Sustainable Investments. The global team invests on behalf of a global client base that includes governments, corporations, institutional investors, as well as a growing UNHW investor group. Private Credit is a key growth pillar of the EUR 115bn DWS Alternatives franchise. The Private Credit platform aims to build diversified portfolios across asset-based finance, direct lending, and structured credit to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns with a focus on capital preservation to a broad spectrum of investors including governments, corporations, insurance companies and private clients. As part of the Corporate Credit/Direct Lending Strategy you will be at the heart of a strategic initiative in Germany/Europe, leveraging your expertise in corporate credit portfolio management to provide tailored investment solutions to our investments.

Your responsibilities

• Lead the origination, structuring, and execution of complex Growth Debt transactions that combine senior interests with equity-linked upside (e.g., warrants), particularly for First-of-a-Kind technologies.
• Evaluate credit risks across multiple factors, including industry trends, market conditions, potential borrowers' operating environments, and specific risks pertinent to infrastructure and energy transition projects.
• Conduct detailed due diligence on potential borrowers and project entities, including the review of legal documentation (LMA standards), project-specific agreements, and particularly equity-linked upside structures involving warrants, contracts, and other relevant information impacting credit and investment decisions.
• Develop and utilize financial models to simulate different scenarios, assess potential risks, and project future performance of borrowers and projects, particularly for complex structured financings and Growth Debt instruments (e.g., CAPEX and working capital financings).
• Jointly prepare and present comprehensive investment committee memorandums to the Investment Committee, advising on capital strategy and balance sheet considerations to senior management and boards.
• Perform detailed valuation analysis and actively monitor investments and sector trends (including private credit, securitisation, and energy transition markets) to ensure adherence to clients’ investment needs, objectives, and constraints, providing customized investment offerings where necessary.
• Uphold the fiduciary concept without exception and meet clients’ needs, including communications, performance reporting, and handling ad hoc requests. Manage relationships with a complex client and investor base, including pension funds, asset managers, banks, and DFIs.
• Manage cross-functional stakeholders across legal, treasury, external advisors, and lenders to drive transactions to close.
• Build and optimize scalable funding platforms and engage with a diverse investor base.
• Actively integrate ESG considerations throughout the investment process, from sourcing and due diligence to loan monitoring and repayment, including the use of sustainability ratchets in loan agreements.

We are looking for:

• Proven experience in a relevant field associated to Growth Debt, Private Credit, corporate underwriting or structured finance gained at a credit fund, commercial or investment bank, hedge fund, or mezzanine fund, with a strong record in structuring and executing financing solutions, especially for First-of-a-Kind technologies.
• Deep expertise in capital markets, securitisation, and investor engagement, including raising significant capital from institutional investors and issuing innovative financial instruments like social bonds.
• Experience within the energy transition sector is preferred, including leading infrastructure and growth equity investments and managing debt financing for such projects.
• Proven experience in legal documentation according to LMA standards, as well as complex project finance documentation and Growth Debt specific instruments (e.g., PIK/PYIC components and warrants).
• Solid experience with Investment Committees and the associated preparation of materials, coupled with experience advising CEOs and Boards on liquidity and investor alignment and engaging with governance bodies.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with a complex client base and diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English with additional European languages advantageous for cross‑border client engagement.

What we’ll offer you:

At DWS we’re serious about diversity, equity and creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can be themselves and it’s important to us that you enjoy coming to work - feeling healthy, happy and rewarded. At DWS you’ll have access to a range of benefits including, but not limited, to the below:

• A hybrid working model, allowing for in-office / work from home flexibility, comprehensive leave policy, personal and volunteer days.
• Competitive compensation packages including health and wellbeing benefits.
• Access to best in class trainings, in role development and career progression opportunities.

If you require any adjustments or changes to be made to the interview process for any reason including, or related to a disability or long-term health condition, then please contact your recruiter and let them know what assistance you may need. Examples of adjustments include providing a change to the format of the interview, or providing assistance when at the DWS office. This will not affect your application and our recruitment team will discuss options with you.

We strive for a culture in which we are empowered to excel together every day. This includes acting responsibly, thinking commercially, taking initiative and working collaboratively. Together we share and celebrate the successes of our people. Together we are Deutsche Bank Group. We welcome applications from all people and promote a positive, fair and inclusive work environment.