European Private Credit Investor, Vice President

Description

About this role

About BlackRock Alternatives:
Charged with establishing BlackRock as clients’ preeminent partner in alternative investing globally, BlackRock Alternatives (BA) is one of the top five largest alternative asset managers in the world today. We are active in all asset classes and connect them in ways other firms can’t match, operating on an integrated platform consisting of real estate, infrastructure, credit, private equity and hedge funds. Our scale means we offer expertise and access unique to BlackRock, and you’ll collaborate with teams across our firm in unexpected ways. As part of a key growth engine for the firm, you’ll be invited to continue building the platform that is shaping the future of Alts investing by creating and evolving innovative investment ideas and tech solutions on a team that continuously outperforms - setting new standards.

Grow your career with the firm that’s building tomorrow’s alternatives platform, backed by a purpose that drives positive outcomes for our clients, our investments and the communities we serve.

Credit:
The Global Credit team offers an array of liquid and illiquid credit products designed to meet specific client risk and return profiles. The European Middle Market Private Debt team is part of the European Fundamental Credit business, within Global Credit, and provides, on behalf of BlackRock’s clients and funds, mid-market companies with senior, unitranche and subordinated loans for acquisitions, capital growth, refinancings, LBO’s and liquidity situations. The team seeks an experienced Credit Analyst to lead underwriting, fundamental credit analysis, due diligence and approval of new investments.

Role description:
The (Senior) Associate or Vice President will be responsible for assessing and structuring direct lending investment opportunities across Europe. Partnering with the Origination team, she/he will be responsible for the fundamental analysis of private credit investments made on behalf of our clients and funds for mid-market corporates mainly in the German speaking countries, as part of the European team, as well as cross border transactions alongside BlackRock’s’ North American direct lending teams. The European Private Debt team is specialised on senior, unitranche, subordinated, sustainable / impact, private high yield and recurring revenue credit 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. The role will entail the following:

- Conduct independent fundamental credit analysis and 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 the 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 the originators) through the investment process until completion
- Provides input on or leads negotiation of terms and conditions for transactions and works with the originators and the legal team 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 private credit 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 and responsive with keen attention t