Associate / Vice President - Direct Lending

Overview

Jefferies is seeking a highly motivated Associate or Vice President, to join its London-based Direct Lending team. The team focuses on originating, structuring, and executing private credit investments across Europe, partnering with private equity sponsors and corporates to deliver tailored financing solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing platform and play a key role across the full deal lifecycle, working in a collaborative, high-performance environment. Fluency in German, a Nordic language, or Dutch is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the origination and execution of direct lending transactions, including senior secured loans, unitranche financings, and other private credit solutions.
• Conduct detailed financial analysis, including building and reviewing financial models, performing credit analysis, and assessing capital structures.
• Assist in the preparation of investment memoranda and presentations for internal committees and external stakeholders.
• Participate in due diligence processes, including interaction with management teams, sponsors, and advisors.
• Monitor portfolio investments, track performance, and prepare ongoing credit reviews.
• Contribute to market analysis, sector research, and identification of new investment opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with senior team members on structuring and negotiating transactions.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience in leveraged finance, private credit, investment banking, or a related field.
• Strong financial modelling, analytical, and valuation skills.
• Demonstrated experience working on leveraged transactions and credit investments.
• Solid understanding of debt products, capital structures, and credit documentation.
• Excellent academic background from a leading university.