Johannesburg: Associate Principal

Associate Principal / Principal | Rosebank, Gauteng | Permanent This is a senior investment role for a deal-maker who wants to shape outcomes, not just analyse them. You will lead transactions end-to-end and play a visible role in building a high-impact African private equity platform. This position offers the opportunity to take real ownership across origination, execution, and portfolio value creation, while helping to build a firm with a clear long-term investment vision. In this role, you will champion the full investment lifecycle — from sourcing proprietary opportunities through to exit. You will act as a key decision-maker, represent the firm at Board level, and mentor junior professionals, contributing directly to both investment performance and firm-building. Our client is a South African private equity firm focused on long-term value creation and impact across priority sectors of the economy. The firm partners closely with founders and management teams, combining disciplined investment execution with strong governance and ESG alignment. What You’ll Do Originate and own proprietary deal flow across priority investment themes Build and leverage senior networks to secure off-market opportunities Lead transactions end-to-end, from screening and valuation to negotiation and close Prepare and present investment memoranda to the Investment Committee Oversee legal structuring, due diligence, and funding drawdowns Serve as a Non-Executive Director on portfolio company boards Drive strategic value creation initiatives with management teams Mentor Associates and Analysts to strengthen execution capability Contribute to reporting, fund operations, and internal firm-building initiatives What You Bring CA(SA), CFA, or MBA / Masters in Finance 8–10 years of relevant professional experience At least 6 years’ experience in Private Equity, Growth Equity, or Venture Capital A proven deal track record with lead execution responsibility Strong financial modelling, valuation, and investment judgement capability Experience engaging with Boards or senior investment committees Advanced negotiation and transaction structuring skills High levels of ownership, integrity, and impact orientation What Success Looks Like A consistently converting proprietary investment pipeline High-quality investment committee submissions and approvals Strong portfolio performance supported by active board participation Trusted leadership within the investment team Meaningful contribution to firm growth, culture, and long-term impact