ABOUT NEXTSTEP
NextStep is an AI-powered career platform designed to support top consulting talent through career transitions. Our matching technology connects consultants with high-potential opportunities at firms where analytical rigour and structured thinking translate directly into value. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we're looking for a Private Equity Associate.
ABOUT THE FIRM
Our client is a well-regarded mid-market private equity firm based in Boston, focused on control buyouts in business services and healthcare-adjacent companies. They invest in businesses with $10-75 million in EBITDA, work closely with management teams to drive operational and strategic improvement, and have a strong track record of value creation across four prior funds. They are deploying from a recently closed fund and adding an Associate to their investment team.
THE ROLE
As a Private Equity Associate, you will be central to how the firm finds, evaluates, and executes investments. You will own significant workstreams across the deal lifecycle and contribute meaningfully to how the firm supports its portfolio. The expectation is that you develop into a deal leader over time.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Evaluate new investment opportunities through market research, financial analysis, and management assessment, leading to investment committee recommendations.
- Build and maintain detailed financial models, including LBO analysis, sensitivity testing, and returns attribution.
- Lead due diligence workstreams across commercial, financial, and operational dimensions, coordinating internal teams and external advisors.
- Prepare investment memoranda and present findings to the investment committee with clarity and conviction.
- Support portfolio company management teams on value creation initiatives, including operational improvement, strategic planning, and add-on acquisition activity.
- Monitor portfolio company performance against plan, flagging risks and opportunities to deal leads and partners.
- Develop relationships with intermediaries, management teams, and the broader Boston and national deal community.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- 3-5 years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, or private equity, with strong modelling and analytical foundations.
- Demonstrated experience building complex financial models, including LBO and M&A analysis, independently and under time pressure.
- Background in business services, healthcare, or adjacent sectors is valued but not required.
- Structured thinker who can move between qualitative and quantitative analysis without losing the thread.
- Strong written communication skills; able to write a tight, persuasive investment memo.
- High personal standards, intellectual curiosity, and the drive to develop a genuine investment point of view.
- Comfortable in a high-performance environment with limited hierarchy and high individual accountability.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Base salary of $175,000 - $215,000, determined based on experience and scope.
- Carried interest participation commensurate with contribution and tenure within the fund.
- Additional benefits, including health, dental, 401(k), and PTO, are included and detailed as part of the full offer package.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com https://getnextstep.com/candidate/landing?utm_medium=job-board&utm_source=job-board. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the role if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.
This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.