Investment Vice-President - SME Buyouts

Profile:

We are looking for an Investment Vice President to join our growing investment team focused on SME buyouts across Europe. This role is designed for an experienced deal professional who can take full ownership of transactions, exercise strong investment judgment, and work closely with senior leadership on investment decisions.

The role suits someone who is comfortable leading buyout processes end to end, operating in an entrepreneurial environment, and engaging directly with founders, management teams, and advisors.

Role Description:

You will be responsible for managing buyout transactions through the full investment lifecycle, from initial screening and valuation through diligence, financing, and closing. You will work directly with our Chief Investment Officer, playing a key role in shaping investment decisions and execution strategy.

This is a hands-on, execution-driven role with significant responsibility and autonomy. It is intended for someone who knows how to run transactions, manage complex processes, and drive deals forward in a lean investment environment.

Responsibilities:

·         Manage buyout transactions end-to-end, from initial screening through signing and closing

·         Own the transaction pipeline and work closely with leadership to prioritize opportunities and make investment decisions

·         Screen investment opportunities and make final screening recommendations

·         Prepare and present valuation analyses, offer structures, and investment proposals to internal decision-makers

·         Oversee the production of financial models and investment memoranda, ensuring quality, consistency, and clarity

·         Coordinate and manage due diligence processes across financial, commercial, legal, and operational workstreams

·         Lead and manage debt financing processes in coordination with lenders and advisors

·         Drive closing processes and coordinate all external stakeholders, including advisors, brokers, lenders, and sellers

·         Engage directly with management teams and business owners throughout the transaction process

Scope of work:

·         End-to-end transaction leadership & execution

·         Investment screening, valuation, and decision support

·         Oversight of financial modelling & investment materials

·         Due diligence and financing coordination

·         Stakeholder management (internal & external)

·         Active contribution to investment strategy and pipeline management

·         5–7+ years of experience in transaction-focused roles

·         Demonstrated experience acting as deal captain on multiple transactions

·         Prior experience in investment banking (M&A) earlier in career a plus

·         Private equity fund experience strongly preferred; corporate development/M&A experience at an acquisitive company also considered

·         Strong understanding of buyout transactions, deal structuring, and risk assessment

·         Comfortable managing complex transaction processes rather than people

Other attributes:

·         Advanced understanding of corporate finance, valuation, and accounting

·         Strong command of financial modelling, with the ability to review, challenge, and steer models

·         Solid grasp of legal concepts, transaction structures, and financing mechanics

·         Ability to manage advisors across diligence, legal, and debt processes

Personal Attributes

·         High ownership mentality and accountability for outcomes

·         Confident, pragmatic, and execution-focused

·         Strong judgment and ability to prioritise under pressure

·         Excellent interpersonal skills, credible with entrepreneurs, lenders, and senior advisors

·         Entrepreneurial mindset aligned with a hands-on, high-trust investment team

Education:

·         Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree a plus)

·         Education in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field

Languages:

·         English C1

·         Fluent in German, French or Polish preferred