Private Equity Associate - San Francisco Bay area

About the Role

The Associate will join a San Francisco area based private equity firm focused on lower middle-market investing. The office launched in 2013 and is building an investment platform investing in different industries.

Associates work closely with senior investment professionals and operating partners, contributing meaningfully to investment decision-making while gaining exposure to value creation initiatives at the portfolio company level. This position offers significant hands-on experience, early ownership, and a clear development path within a growing firm that emphasizes long-term partnership, operational engagement, and thoughtful investing.

Professional Experience & Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in investment banking and/or private equity, with preference for candidates who have had exposure to middle-market buyouts
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, with the ability to independently build and analyze detailed operating and transaction models
• High level of proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is essential
• Deep understanding of financial statements, market analysis, and due diligence processes
• Exposure to industrials or related sectors is a plus, but not required
• Demonstrated ability to manage workstreams, prioritize effectively, and coordinate with internal team members and third-party advisors

Personal Characteristics

• Highly motivated self-starter who takes ownership of work and proactively drives projects forward
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with lean deal teams
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and committed to producing high-quality, accurate work
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight timelines
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and a positive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Ability to clearly articulate complex concepts and analyses to senior investors, management teams, and advisors
• Intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in investing, business building, and long-term value creation
• Entrepreneurial attitude with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mentality and eagerness to learn

Find your fit - View all open positions at Soul Equity.

About Soul Equity Solutions

Soul Equity is a retained Executive Search firm, dedicated exclusively to guiding Middle Market Private Equity Firms and their Portfolio Companies to best-in-class talent.

We work exclusively with Middle Market Private Equity firms to grow their internal teams and transform their portfolio companies. Our boutique recruiting experience is highly bespoke and curated to our clients’ needs.

This firm is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.