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 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.