EMEA Private Debt (Mid - Market) -Executive Director

Job description

About this role

Business Unit Overview:

The role will be within our Private Financing Solutions (PFS) team. This new platform brings together several leading franchises under one structure to serve client needs and deepen our role in the financing ecosystem. PFS is built to address the structural forces reshaping markets and deliver more complete solutions across public and private investments.

Private Credit: By combining HPS with BlackRock’s private credit business, we’ve created a private credit platform designed to meet the needs of clients with long-dated investment capital through unmatched investment expertise, product depth, and global scale. This $190 billion platform spans the full capital structure from senior to junior credit and includes a wide array of corporate-focused strategies, including direct lending, venture, growth, and distressed, as well as asset-based financing inclusive of real estate debt. PFS is positioned to deliver the risk/return profile, duration, yield, and flexibility our clients are looking for — and will operate alongside BlackRock’s $3 trillion public fixed income franchise that spans Fundamental Fixed income.

The European Middle Market Private Debt provides, on behalf of BlackRock’s clients and funds, mid-market companies with debt financing for acquisitions, capital growth, refinancings, LBO’s and liquidity situations.

Role description:

The Director/VP of European Middle Market Private Debt credit research will be responsible for structuring and assessing middle market direct lending investment opportunities across Europe. Partnering with the Origination team and private debt research analysts, 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 the UK and Western Europe as well as cross border transactions alongside BlackRock’s’ North American middle market direct lending teams.

The European Middle Market Private Debt team provides mid-market companies with senior and subordinated financing solutions for acquisitions, capital growth, restructuring, LBO’s and liquidity situations. The platform spans debt investments across the capital structure, sustainable / impact 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, 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
• Provides input on or leads negotiation of terms and conditions for transactions and 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
• Sector expertise is an advantage ideally in Software and Technology
• 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
• Must be fluent in English and Swedish or Danish or 2nd European Language

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 accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.