Associate - Private Debt / Direct Lending

London - Hybrid

Permanent contract

At AXA IM our purpose, to act for human progress by investing for what matters, is central to every action we take as a business. As a responsible asset manager, we actively invest for the long-term to help our clients, our people and the world to prosper.

As a future Associate - Private Debt / Direct Lending you will report to the Head of Private Debt Co-investments, and you will be part of AXA IM Prime.

AXA IM Prime is a Private Market Enabler and Hedge Funds platform offering diversified sources of private market returns across private equity, infrastructure equity, private debt, and hedge funds. With €40 billion of alternative investments under management and a team of seasoned investment professionals committed to proactive ESG and strict risk management criteria, AXA IM Prime is committed to transparency and reliability. The company manages €5 billion of commitments annually over the next three years and has 100+ employees across three offices.

DISCOVER your opportunity

This role primarily focuses on analyzing and structuring co-investments in private debt opportunities and making investment recommendations for private debt portfolios across diverse industries, geographies (Europe and US), and instruments (unitranche, senior secured, and subordinated debt).

Key Responsibilities

Opportunities Screening

• Review new credit opportunities and assess their merits, risks, and key legal terms
• Evaluate the investment's fit with portfolio objectives and targeted returns
• Understand ESG impacts and alignment with AXA IM Prime targets
• Share findings with the team and make recommendations based on initial assessments

Deal Execution

• Conduct in-depth analysis, including due diligence, financial modeling, and sensitivity analysis
• Assess appropriate debt structures and terms, reviewing term sheets and agreements
• Prepare credit papers and present recommendations to portfolio managers and investment committees
• Lead and manage the deal process, coordinating with internal and external parties
• Monitor financial performance of investments and their portfolio impact, including reporting and valuations

Client Relationship, Reporting, and Fund Raising

• Maintain relationships with origination partners, portfolio company management, sponsors, advisors, and law firms
• Interact with AXA internal parties regarding investment performance and market views
• Contribute to fund-raising efforts with the sales team, including client identification, pitch preparation, and meetings
• Ensure accuracy of data in reporting tools, monitor portfolio performance, and produce regular reports for AXA IM Prime clients

AXA IM Prime Business Set-Up

• Contribute to product offerings for primary fund selection and collaborate with the structuring team to set up relevant funds
• Help build a best-in-class reporting tool that meets AXA and third-party requirements

Your Profile

SHARE your unique expertise

We welcome different combinations of skills & experiences.

Education/Qualifications

• Master's degree in Economics or Engineering (with applied finance)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages (German, Nordic languages, Dutch, French) are advantageous
• Restructuring experience is beneficial

Experience/Skills

• 3-5 years in direct lending and/or leveraged finance at buy-side funds, asset managers, or banking institutions
• Strong credit acumen and execution capability are essential; origination experience is not crucial
• Proficiency in credit and financial analysis, cash-flow modeling, sensitivity analysis, and legal documentation review/negotiation

Competencies/Soft Skills

• Strong team orientation with the ability to work independently
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong writing and presentation capabilities
• Focus on high-quality analysis for clients
• High integrity, self-starter, and positive attitude

About AXA

The AXA Group is a global leader in insurance and asset management, with 160,000 employees serving 105 million customers in 62 countries.

We protect and advise our clients at every stage of their lives, offering products and services that meet their needs in the areas of insurance, personal protection, savings and asset management.

Our mission : To act for human progress by protecting what matters

Our values : Customer first, Integrity, Courage and One AXA

About the Entity

At AXA IM we are investing with a clear purpose - to make the world a better place. We act for human progress by investing for what matters. Our conviction-led approach enables us to uncover what we believe to be the best global investment opportunities across alternative and core asset classes. We are already entrusted by our clients with more than €887 billion in assets.

AXA Investment Managers | Home | AXA IM Corporate (axa-im.com)

AXA IM is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage candidates with disabilities or any other protected characteristic to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, when needed, to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions.

Inclusion and Diversity | Careers | AXA IM Corporate (axa-im.com)

What We Offer

We are committed to offer you an environment where you can:

Grow your potential : Be part of a forward-thinking business with internal opportunities and personalized learning paths available to help constantly develop your skills and abilities .

Shape the way you work : Work for a company which is highly committed to providing flexibility & balance to its employees, offering you a large range of benefits (hybrid working, competitive health benefits, among many others.).

Thrive within a diverse community : Play a role within a responsible company that actively recognizes and values individual differences in a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Move the world forward : Join a responsible employer that acts in favor of societal and environmental causes as an investor, insurer and company, notably through the AXA Heart in Action association. As part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will celebrate your arrival by planting a tree.