European Private Debt, Investment Management

Description

About this role

Role description:
The Vice President/Director will be responsible for structuring and assessing direct lending investment opportunities across Europe with a main focus on France. Partnering with the Origination team and the rest of the private debt research team, she/he will be responsible for the fundamental credit analysis of direct lending investments made on behalf of our clients and funds for mid-market corporates in France and Western Europe.

The European Private Debt team provides mid-market companies with senior and subordinated financing solutions for acquisitions, capital growth, and LBO’s. The platform spans senior, unitranche, subordinated, sustainable / impact and ARR financing products. He or she will lead an effective fundamental credit research analysis and lead the investment process in partnership with the Portfolio Managers and other analysts in the team. He or she will work closely with the deal leaders to execute deals and the whole credit analysis linked to it including the legal documentation phase. He or she will also be expected to work alongside deal leaders to source new opportunities. The role will entail the following:
Roles and Responsibilities:

- Conduct independent fundamental credit analysis, due diligence and approval of new investments
- Calibrate financing needs and structures for prospective borrowers
- Financial modelling of investment opportunities
- Interact with management teams, private equity sponsors, industry sources, and other investment professionals
- Seek solutions to deal structures and issues within the boundaries of fund parameters in co-ordination with the originator, internal functions and external participants
- Lead role in the investment evaluation process including attendance at management presentations, review of due diligence reports, and preparation of internal investment proposals in conjunction with originators
- Presents Portfolio Managers and Investment Committee with a clear and consistent approach to mitigate credit, legal, industry, ESG and other relevant risks
- Champion selected investment opportunities (in coordination with Origination) through the investment process until completion
- Works with originator and legal to ensure appropriate structuring / documentation
- Negotiation and review of transaction legal documentation and liaising with internal and external legal advisers
- Ongoing monitoring of portfolio assets including waivers & amendments, contributing to the quarterly fund valuation process and reporting to investors.
- Involvement in providing portfolio reports and analytics for internal and external use
- Adhere to investment process and operational standards
- Help identify/ manage operational risks and improve processes as relevant

Skills, Experience and Education:

- Excellent credit skills demonstrated through prior relevant experience underwriting, structuring and executing direct lending/private debt and/or leveraged finance transactions
- Ability to direct the structuring of a transaction, manage transaction process with internal and external parties and working with originators to complete investment opportunities
- Strong financial modelling and legal documentation skills
- Motivated team player and flexible in approach with ability to work independently
- Must demonstrate integrity and alignment to BlackRock’s principles and commitment as a trusted fiduciary to our clients
- Flexible, responsive with keen attention to detail
- Open-minded thought process and intellectual honesty with an ability to dynamically adapt to coverage of different products
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - presents ideas in a clear, concise and constructive manner
- Excellent academic background
- Must be fluent in English and French, other European languages are a plus
- Role based in Paris

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person - aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to acceler