About this role

Business Unit Overview:

BlackRock’s Private Debt Platform consists of more than 200 investment professionals located in 19 BlackRock offices managing over $86bn of AUM across a broad range of asset classes including:

Direct Lending;

Growth Lending;

Opportunistic Debt;

Infrastructure Debt; and

Real Estate Debt

The European Direct Lending team 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.

Role description:

The Director/VP of European Private Debt credit research will be responsible for structuring and assessing 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 direct lending teams. 

The European Private Debt team provide mid-market companies with senior and subordinated financing solutions for acquisitions, capital growth, restructuring, LBO’s and liquidity situations. The platform spans 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, 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

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 French

Sector expertise is an advantage (Healthcare, Software, Technology, etc.)

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.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.