Associate, Primary

Associate, Primary

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Evaluate fund investment opportunities in Private Equity, Growth Equity, and Venture Capital markets.
  • Company: Join HarbourVest, a global leader in private markets with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the finance world while developing your analytical and leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 2-3 years in finance, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.

In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences. We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.

This position will be a hybrid work arrangement, which translates to 3 days minimum per week in the office. HarbourVest is currently seeking candidates for an Associate position in the EMEA Primary Investment Group based in London. As an Associate, you will be responsible for evaluating fund investment opportunities across the Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital markets. As part of the evaluation process, you will be responsible for meeting with managers who are raising funds, creating detailed performance analytics including benchmarking and portfolio company underwriting, forming and articulating investment theses to our senior team, conducting reference calls with portfolio companies and presenting opportunities to our global Investment Committee.

The ideal candidate is someone who has:

  • Strong analytical capabilities with ability to synthesize recommendations based on analysis with strong attention to detail
  • Strong quantitative skills with deep experience in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Good knowledge of private equity markets and financial expertise
  • Proven leadership skills and ability to succeed working independently and in collaborative teams
  • Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

What you will do:

  • Perform due diligence on Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital managers and fund opportunities, including preparing detailed performance and benchmarking analyses, participating in manager diligence meetings, making reference calls, and conducting independent research
  • Source and evaluate new Private Equity, Growth Equity and Venture Capital fund opportunities.
  • Develop investment theses and present key findings to senior professionals.
  • Prepare diligence materials and present opportunities to the global Investment Committee
  • Complete special projects for internal usage and client requests, including industry research and market updates.
  • Prepare materials for HarbourVest's Annual Meeting and other client meetings
  • Monitor primary fund investments through attendance at annual meetings, reviewing quarterly and annual reports, and participating in portfolio update calls as required. Build and enhance relationships with fund managers
  • Source and refer interesting direct equity, credit and secondary opportunities internally and facilitate/assist with the initial assessment of these opportunities
  • Work to build and expand your personal network and knowledge base through continuing to meet and work with professionals at HarbourVest

What you bring:

  • 2-3 years of strong professional experience in private equity, asset management, manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services
  • Demonstrated excellence in analytical reasoning, quantitative analysis, and verbal/written communications in team-based settings
  • Demonstrated interest in Primary fund investing

Education Preferred:

  • Bachelors degree or equivalent experience

Experience:

  • 2-3 years of professional experience in private equity manager research, investment consulting, investment banking or related financial services

Associate, Primary employer: Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited

HarbourVest Partners offers an exceptional work environment for those passionate about private wealth fundraising, particularly in the vibrant Nordics and Netherlands regions. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, our dynamic team fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities to leverage your expertise while promoting the HarbourVest brand. Enjoy a hybrid work model that supports work-life balance, alongside a culture that values analytical thinking and strong client relationships.

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Contact Details:

Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate, Primary

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

✨Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Primary

Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Quantitative Skills
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Private Equity Knowledge
Financial Expertise

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harbourvest Partners (U.K.) Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.