Associate - Private Funds Group

Job Title: Associate – Private Funds Group

Location: Jefferies Investment Bank, London, UK

About Jefferies:
Jefferies is a leading global investment bank, providing clients with capital markets and financial advisory services, institutional brokerage, securities research, and asset management. Our entrepreneurial culture fosters innovation, teamwork, and excellence in all aspects of our business. The Private Funds Group (PFG) is a key division focused on capital raising and strategic advisory for private fund managers across private equity, credit, real estate, infrastructure, and venture capital sectors.

Role Overview:
The Associate will play a critical role within the Private Funds Group, contributing to all aspects of the fundraising and advisory process. This role offers exposure to a dynamic and fast-paced environment with a global client base, comprising leading private market fund managers and sophisticated institutional investors. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of projects, build relationships, and provide analytical and strategic insights to drive successful client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Management: Lead and coordinate capital-raising projects, including managing investor pipelines and tracking client engagements from inception to final close.
2. Investor Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with institutional investors, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies across EMEA.
3. Due Diligence: Oversee investor due diligence processes, including the preparation and presentation of detailed fund materials, track records, and competitive positioning.
4. Financial Analysis: Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of private funds, track records, and portfolio company valuations to support investment theses.
5. Market Research: Conduct industry and market research to identify trends, benchmark funds, and assess competitive landscapes.
6. Client Interaction: Support senior team members in advising private market fund managers on fundraising strategies, fund positioning, and investor targeting.
7. Presentation Development: Prepare high-impact pitch materials, offering memorandums, and investor presentation decks.

Skills and Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field (CFA or CAIA qualification is a plus).
2. 3-5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, capital raising, asset management, or similar financial services role.
3. Strong understanding of private markets and alternative investment strategies (private equity, real estate, credit, and infrastructure).
4. Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in financial modeling and valuation techniques.
5. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex information for diverse stakeholders.
6. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
7. Strong attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM tools.