Private Equity Associate - 2027 Summer start

 

Private Equity Deal Team Associate - Cleveland

About the Role

The Associate will join a lower middle market private equity firm based in Cleveland. The firm focuses on industrial, business services, consumer and value-added distribution sectors and is currently at an exciting inflection point as it transitions to its first institutional fund and continues to grow its portfolio. Associates benefit from an exceptionally hands-on experience relative to peers at larger firms, including direct daily access to senior partners, meaningful responsibility from day one, and active involvement across the full investment lifecycle from sourcing and diligence through portfolio company value creation.

Job Description

The Associate will support senior investment professionals in investment sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management functions of the firm. Specific responsibilities include:

• New Investments: Build and analyze detailed financial models; support and manage due diligence across multiple workstreams; draft investment committee memoranda, term sheets, and letters of intent; prepare materials for internal and external stakeholders; interface with bankers, consultants, and third-party advisors.
• Portfolio & Platform Work: Analyze portfolio company performance and key operating metrics; support strategic initiatives including growth planning and operational improvements; participate in board meetings, management presentations, and strategy sessions; assist with capital raising initiatives (debt and equity).
• Research & Sourcing: Conduct industry research and market mapping to inform investment theses; identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities; support proactive sourcing efforts alongside senior team members; develop insights that guide where and how the firm invests.
• Additional exposure will include fundraising and investor communications, portfolio monitoring and reporting, and value creation initiatives across GTM, human capital, technology, and finance.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in investment banking
• Undergraduate degree with strong academic record
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a high-agency and high-ownership culture
• Extensive financial modeling skills
• Mature, professional candidate with strong interpersonal and communication skills 

Find your fit - View all open positions at Soul Equity. 

About Soul Equity Solutions

Soul Equity is a retained Executive Search firm, dedicated exclusively to guiding Middle Market Private Equity Firms and their Portfolio Companies to best-in-class talent.

We work exclusively with Middle Market Private Equity firms to grow their internal teams and transform their portfolio companies. Our boutique recruiting experience is highly bespoke and curated to our clients’ needs.

 

This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.