Our European Leveraged Finance Group originates, structures and executes bank loan, high yield bond and bridge financings supporting both corporate clients and financial sponsors. Typical such transactions include leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions (both buy side and “stapled” financings for sell sides), refinancings, recapitalizations, and restructurings. The group advises financial sponsors and sub-investment grade corporate issuers around the world, providing capital structure advice and committed capital in support of strategic transactions.
The group is aligned by industry and works closely with many areas across the firm including Investment Banking sector and country coverage teams, other financing group teams (corporate derivatives, liability management, equity capital), asset management, credit and ratings advisory, sales and trading, high yield credit research, and other stakeholders.
Leveraged Finance is a fast-paced, markets-focused, and deal-driven environment where a successful candidate will need to be able to multi-task across multiple different workstreams and projects each day. The role offers the opportunity to take on significant responsibility, lead complex transactions, and mentor junior team members.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
1. Lead and manage the advisory process for clients on complex financing solutions, including acquisitions, capital return strategies, working capital management, and refinancing needs.
2. Drive client coverage efforts and independently manage client dialogue, including the origination, preparation, and delivery of sophisticated client materials.
3. Oversee the drafting and finalization of debt investor marketing materials and manage all external deal processes, including leading the preparation of offering memoranda/information memos, managing rating agency relationships, coordinating roadshow logistics, and directly addressing complex debt investor queries.
4. Lead legal structuring discussions and critically review complex legal documentation, ensuring alignment with commercial terms and client objectives throughout live deal execution.
5. Collaborate strategically with the syndicate desk on deal pricing, structuring, and execution, taking a lead role in investor diligence and marketing efforts, and managing key investor relationships.
6. Manage and coordinate comprehensive internal deal processes, including overseeing business, financial, and legal diligence, proactively engaging and educating internal risk and control groups, and serving as a primary liaison across various firm divisions.
7. Take ownership of authoring and coordinating all committee documents for debt underwriting (loan and bond deals) and principal lending (relationship loans), ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
8. Mentor, train, and develop junior team members (Analysts and Associates), providing guidance on financial modeling, market analysis, and deal execution best practices.
9. Contribute to business development initiatives, identifying new opportunities and assisting in strategic planning for the group.
Basic Qualifications:
10. Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in investment banking, leveraged finance, or a comparable financial advisory role, demonstrating a strong track record of deal execution; OR
11. MBA or equivalent graduate degree in a financial discipline PLUS a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant post-MBA experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
12. Demonstrated expertise in complex financial modeling, valuation, and credit analysis, with advanced proficiency in Excel and other financial software.
13. Proven ability to lead and manage multiple transactions simultaneously from origination to close.
14. Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, capable of engaging effectively with senior clients and internal stakeholders.
15. Strong leadership potential with experience in mentoring junior staff.
16. Deep understanding of European leveraged finance markets, products, and regulatory landscape.