UK Origination Investment Partner | Private Debt

Investment Partner, UK Origination (Private Credit)Location: London, UK Type: Partner-level hire | Origination-led role Search type: ConfidentialThe opportunityA European lower mid market private credit investor is establishing a London presence and is seeking an experienced Investment Partner to lead UK origination. This is a rare opportunity to be one of the first hires in London and to play a defining role in building out a boutique platform focused on sponsor backed transactions in the lower mid market.The firm operates a flexible private credit strategy, providing tailored financing solutions to support buy and build, leveraged buyouts, and growth situations across Europe. The culture is entrepreneurial, partnership-driven, and highly selective, with a strong emphasis on relationship-led origination rather than process-heavy, auction-driven deal flow.Role overviewThe successful candidate will be responsible for originating and executing sponsor backed private credit opportunities in the UK lower mid market. The role is origination-first, with full ownership of relationships, pipeline development, and transaction leadership.The focus is explicitly on sponsor backed deals within the lower mid market ecosystem, including independent sponsors and emerging sponsor platforms. This role is not centered on large-cap or broadly syndicated PE-backed transactions.Key responsibilitiesUK origination leadershipBuild and lead the UK origination strategy from London, including pipeline development and relationship prioritisationOriginate proprietary and relationship-led sponsor backed opportunities across the lower mid marketDevelop deep, long-term relationships with independent sponsors, lower mid market sponsors, M&A advisors, and debt advisorsEstablish the firm as a trusted financing partner within the UK sponsor and advisory ecosystemTransaction leadershipLead transactions from first introduction through to executionDrive structuring, commercial terms, and negotiation across a range of private credit solutionsWork closely with the broader investment team and investment committee to deliver disciplined underwriting and efficient executionMaintain accountability for credit quality, risk assessment, and downside analysisLondon platform buildAct as a senior representative of the platform in the UK marketHelp establish and grow the London office and operating footprintContribute to shaping hiring plans, coverage priorities, and broader European origination strategy over timeAct as a mentor and culture carrier as the UK team expandsInvestment focus (for candidate context)Lower mid market transactions, typically involving established, cash-generative businessesSponsor backed situations with a preference for independent sponsors and buy and build platformsFlexible private credit solutions including senior debt, stretched senior, and unitranche structures, with the ability to tailor capital structures as requiredBroadly sector agnostic, with a preference for asset-light and service-oriented business modelsCandidate profileEssential requirementsProven UK origination track record in private credit, direct lending, or private debtStrong and demonstrable relationships across the UK lower mid market sponsor communityClear evidence of having sourced, shaped, and executed sponsor backed transactionsStrong structuring capability and sound credit judgementCommercial mindset with a long-term, relationship-driven approach to originationStrongly preferredExperience working in a boutique or entrepreneurial investment platformComfort operating with a high degree of autonomy and responsibilityExperience supporting buy and build strategies and growth-focused sponsor platformsBackground in private credit funds, direct lenders, or leveraged finance origination roles with P&L accountabilityWhat this role offersThe opportunity to be a foundational hire in London with real influence over platform buildSignificant autonomy over UK origination strategy and relationship coverageExposure to a flexible and solutions-oriented private credit mandateA collaborative European partnership culture with a long-term investment horizon