Associate | Strategic Operations

Associate | Strategic Operations

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
KSL Capital Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the Strategic Operating Team to evaluate investments and drive value creation.
  • Company: KSL Capital Partners, a leading global private equity firm in travel and leisure.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the travel and leisure industry while developing your strategic skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in hospitality or leisure industries.

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

KSL Capital Partners, LLC (“KSL”) is a leading global private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises. KSL specializes in investments across five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate, and travel services. KSL has approximately $25 billion of assets under management across its equity, debt, and tactical opportunities funds and has completed over 185 investments since 2005.

Role

KSL is seeking an Associate to join its Strategic Operating Team in London. As an integral part of the global KSL team, the Strategic Operating Team covers the full equity portfolio and shares accountability with the Deal Teams for each investment. The Strategic Operating Team and Deal Teams partner with each other during underwriting of each investment and then with executives at each portfolio company to identify and execute on high-impact value creation priorities. As part of the Strategic Operating Team, the Associate will help evaluate prospective investments, create and implement 100-day value creation plans, and work with management teams on an ongoing basis to help execute strategic initiatives. This position requires not only a strong strategic and analytical mindset, but the ability to influence management teams to create change. This role will report directly to the Principal on the Strategic Operating Team based in London.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with Deal Teams to underwrite all new equity deals including identifying and quantifying value creation levers, understanding macroeconomic trends, and strong financial modelling acumen.
  • Work directly with portfolio company leadership to implement value creation opportunities.
  • Ad hoc analysis on portfolio company data to identify new value creation opportunities.
  • Monitor weekly, monthly, and quarterly data to ensure all investments are staying on track.
  • Lead high-priority internal initiatives that can be leveraged across KSL’s global portfolio.
  • Build trusted relationships with stakeholders internally and externally.
  • Work alongside KSL portfolio company management teams to lead strategic, analytical, and operational improvements (e.g. revenue growth, operations efficiency, CAPEX planning and execution).

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Strong strategic thinking and analytical reasoning skills.
  • Advanced financial modelling, clear intellectual horsepower, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to leverage data, financial analysis, and operational metrics to drive recommendations and decision making.
  • Proven experience in hospitality or leisure industries through working as an operator, an investor, or a consultancy.
  • Focused on outcomes and ability to consistently deliver across multiple projects and businesses.
  • Strong communication skills with an ability to build relationships across all levels of organizations.
  • Demonstrates flexibility, humility, and a willingness to adapt to various stakeholder needs.
  • Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Creative problem solver with a relentless focus on improvement and value creation.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by employees assigned to this classification.

Associate | Strategic Operations employer: KSL Capital Partners

KSL Capital Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and strategic thinking thrive. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders and influence high-impact investment strategies. With a focus on the travel and leisure sectors, KSL provides a unique platform for associates to develop their skills while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of the industry.

KSL Capital Partners

Contact Details:

KSL Capital Partners Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate | Strategic Operations

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 KSL Capital Partners, 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 KSL Capital Partners.

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 KSL Capital Partners.

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 KSL Capital Partners, 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 Associate | Strategic Operations

Strategic Thinking
Analytical Reasoning
Financial Modelling
Data Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills

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 KSL Capital Partners 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 KSL Capital Partners.

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 KSL Capital Partners 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 KSL Capital Partners. Numbers speak louder than words!

How to prepare for a job interview at KSL Capital Partners

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 KSL Capital Partners 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 withKSL Capital Partners.