Investment Management & Restructuring, EMEA Direct Lending – VP/Director (DACH region)

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.

Position overview:

This is a restructuring position where the individual will also be responsible for assessing, structuring and underwriting direct lending investment opportunities, as well as supporting restructuring and/or workout activities by designing and implementing restructuring and recovery strategies across the DACH and European region. This role will be located in Munich or London.

• Conduct independent fundamental credit analysis and due diligence and approval of new investments

• Perform financial modelling, valuation and benchmarking to assess investment opportunities and viability of underperforming portfolios (including model recovery value optimization scenarios)

• Calibrate financing needs and seek solutions to deal structures 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

• Provide recommendations to Portfolio Managers and Investment Committee with a clear and consistent approach to mitigate credit, legal, industry, ESG and other relevant risks

• Participate in transactions, restructuring and debt documentation negotiations 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

• Coordinate complex transactions across a variety of stakeholders (clients, legal counsel, creditors and other third parties, etc.)

• Effectively navigate and drive multi-party club lender situations. Remain front-footed and be a leading voice in group discussions (on deals/transactions and internally in IC)

• Assist other team members in performing financial due diligence procedures as well as other initiatives related to the portfolio companies

• Develop and manage relationships with management teams, sponsors, lenders, industry sources and advisors

Skills & Experience:

• 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

• Excellent analytical and data analysis skills, highly numerate, responsive with high attention to detail

• Strong financial modelling and legal documentation skills

• Deep understanding of the relevant documentation and how it can affect the design and implementation of restructuring and recovery strategies 

• 7+ years of investment and / or advisory (leveraged finance, restructuring advisor and/or restructuring / work-out team within a bank or private debt / direct lending)

• Motivated team player and flexible in approach with ability to work independently

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – presents ideas in a clear, concise and constructive manner

• Ability to prioritize, working to tight deadlines and flexible to meet workload

• A methodical thinker able to resolve complex issues on a daily basis

• Must be (business level) fluent in German and English

• Sector expertise is an advantage (Healthcare, Software and Technology)

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 c