Private Equity Associate I

A leading lower-middle-market private equity firm with approximately $500MM in assets under management is seeking a Private Equity Associate I to join its investment team in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm has a proven track record of partnering with and scaling founder-led businesses across healthcare, industrials, and business services. This role offers meaningful responsibility across the full investment life cycle, as well as the opportunity to work closely with an experienced team of investors and portfolio company leaders.

Associates benefit from a collaborative, rigorous, and entrepreneurial environment where they play a direct role in evaluating new investments, driving value-creation initiatives, and supporting the growth of portfolio companies.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed financial and valuation models, including LBOs, operating models, sensitivity analyses, and return scenarios.
• Support all aspects of due diligence - financial, commercial, operational, and industry-specific-with an emphasis on healthcare, industrials, and business services.
• Prepare investment memos, presentations, and materials for internal discussions and investment committee review.
• Conduct industry research, market mapping, and assist in sourcing, screening, and evaluating new investment opportunities.
• Work closely with portfolio company management teams on performance tracking, operational improvements, strategic initiatives, and value-creation planning.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of investment banking or private equity experience, ideally within M&A or relevant sector coverage.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear and effective communicator able to present complex information with confidence.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Interest in Nashville, Tennessee and the lower-middle-market investing landscape.