Private Equity Associate

Private Equity Associate | Westport, CT

About the Company

A well-established lower middle-market private equity firm based in Connecticut, focused on control investments in founder- and family-owned businesses. The firm has a long track record of partnering with management teams to support growth and build leading businesses.

The firm is entering an exciting new phase of growth under an experienced investment team and is currently raising its next fund.

The firm invests primarily in business services and select industrial and manufacturing businesses, with a particular interest in companies operating in fragmented markets where there is meaningful opportunity for organic growth and add-on acquisitions.

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

Deal Origination & Sourcing:

• Support the deal team in managing diligence workstreams, stakeholder coordination, and investment committee prep.
• Help identify and develop new investment opportunities through networking, conferences, and intermediary relationships.
• Assist in developing sector-specific investment theses in collaboration with industry experts.
• Help build and maintain relationships with investment bankers, advisors, and other intermediaries.

Transaction Execution:

• Support the deal process from diligence through closing, including financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation support.
• Perform in-depth analysis of financial statements, industry trends, and market dynamics.
• Assist in coordinating with legal, tax, and financial advisors throughout execution.
• Help prepare investment committee materials and support the team in presenting findings to senior leadership.

Portfolio Company Support:

• Work with portfolio companies to support growth, operational improvement, and strategic initiatives.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial performance across portfolio companies.
• Assist in preparing materials for exit strategies, including sale, IPO, or strategic partnership processes.

Team Collaboration:

• Support Analysts and senior team members with day-to-day deal execution tasks.
• Collaborate with internal teams (investor relations, finance, legal) to align on strategy and processes.

Deal Pipeline Management:

• Help maintain a robust pipeline of potential investment opportunities.
• Support relationships with industry experts, advisors, and potential management teams.
• Build industry knowledge to support ongoing deal flow.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory services, or strategy consulting.
• LMM or MM exposure a plus.
• Experience supporting M&A, leveraged buyout, or growth equity transactions.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to support both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of relevant industries (e.g., business services, industrials) is a plus.

Salary

• $200-215k total compensation

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.