JOB DESCRIPTION

Sanari Capital, a private equity fund manager investing in growth companies in Africa (mainly from South Africa), is seeking a top candidate in the role of Senior Associate. The role will include deal transacting, responsible for investment evaluation and execution, post-transaction portfolio management and value addition, and exits in line with the firm’s investment strategy; as well as support to the CEO in fundraising, implementation of various projects, thought leadership and business development.

The individual will be a member of the transacting team as well as direct support to the CEO.

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Reporting to the CEO.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Transacting responsibilities

Facilitate strong investment performance and value addition in the Fund through the following activities:

• Sourcing investment opportunities;
• Screening new investment opportunities in key strategic sectors / investment themes;
• Prepare robust investment models and valuations;
• Prepare proposals for and attend meetings with prospective investee management;
• Project management of the transaction from start to finish, including contracting;
• Due diligence and preparation of investment memoranda for Investment Committee;
• Monitoring, analysis and reporting on portfolio companies reflecting an in-depth understanding of the company and external market drivers;
• Investment management in portfolio companies and exit processes.

Other responsibilities

• Prepare analyses and reports/presentations for fundraising and investor communications;
• Manage fund model, performance analysis, attribution, and other fund level analyses;
• Develop, write and present thought leadership content for internal and external audiences;
• Participate in marketing and business development activities for the purpose of both deal origination and fundraising.

KEY SKILLS

• Ability to conduct research, formulate and critically evaluate investment theses, rigorously interrogate and analyse information, articulate view points, and distil through excellent report writing and presentation skills;
• Excellent financial modelling skills. Preference for corporate finance/private equity/leveraged finance modelling and structuring experience (at least 2 years);
• Strong numerical skills;
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of value drivers;
• Understands and can validate an investment thesis;
• Understanding of different markets and business models;
• A high degree of proficiency with various software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook, in particular excellent financial modelling in Excel and proposal/presentation skills in PowerPoint. Design skills and use of AI a plus;
• Demonstrate initiative, complete tasks unaided and work well in small teams;
• Work efficiently under pressure and ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Recognise and be responsive to the needs of investee companies, team members and other stakeholders;
• Present sufficiently detailed, thorough work, and maintain accurate records;
• A team player.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The candidate must demonstrate a proficiency in corporate finance and financial analysis, as well as having the required work experience.

Education:

• Preference for MBA from leading institution;
• Other Post Graduate Degree in Business, Finance or related;
• Chartered Accountant (CA) and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations with postgraduate degree.

Experience:

>5 years of transacting/investment-related experience, which may include:

• strategy consulting which should include experience in valuation, due diligence, corporate finance, M&A and/or private equity transactions.
• corporate finance, investment banking, leveraged finance, transaction advisory or mergers and acquisitions;
• experience investing in alternative investment strategies such as buyouts, growth equity and private credit;

Prior experience should include responsibilities for research, complex analysis, forecasting and valuation, structuring, corporate finance transactions, analysis of financial statements, value driver analysis and modelling, report writing and preparing presentations.

Successful candidates should have a passion for broader strategic and management functions and be able to demonstrate proven creativity and leadership. Exceptional communication capabilities (written and spoken) will be a strong advantage.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Highly technical, critical and analytical by nature, shows attention to detail.
• Professional, confident and determined; a demonstrable history of resilience and taking on challenges.
• Good people skills, engaging.
• Driven and passionate individual.
• Integrity of the highest order and dependability.

REMUNERATION

Market-related and in line with experience.

PROCESS

Applications are due by 27 January but shortlisting will begin on 13 January, hence it is recommended that candidates apply early. Please click on the link to apply. The application comprises of answers to a form, submission of your resume/CV as well as a letter of motivation. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by 31 January 2025 or earlier.  Once you have completed the form below please submit your Resume/CV and Motivation Letter to apply@sanari.co.za.

Special note: in an age of AI where we at Sanari very much support the use of Generative AI for enhanced performance, presentation and productivity, we nevertheless kindly request that your application please be submitted without the help of AI as it is your personal communication and presentation capabilities we are assessing and your authentic personal motivations we are interested in partnering with. Thanking you in advance.