Private Equity Associate

About the firm:Confidential search on behalf of a well-established, Los Angeles-based private equity firm investing in the middle market. The firm has been operating for nearly two decades across multiple funds and targets businesses in complex or transitional situations — including divisions being separated from larger corporations and companies undergoing significant operational change. The team takes a hands-on approach to value creation, working closely with portfolio company management to drive performance improvement and growth. Culture is collaborative, in-office, and performance-driven, with a strong track record of internal advancement. The firm is currently in market with its latest fund.About the role: This is a newly created seat reflecting the firm's investment in building a more structured, research-oriented function. The role works in direct support of a senior member of the investment team with a background spanning both private equity and public markets investing.Unlike a traditional deal team associate role, this position is front-end focused, centered on identifying and underwriting investment opportunities before they become active transactions. It is an ideal seat for someone who wants to develop genuine investing judgment, think deeply about businesses and industries, and contribute meaningfully to investment decisions from day one. For professionals coming from a public markets research background, this role offers a compelling path to the buy side outside of the traditional hedge fund route.ResponsibilitiesConduct deep industry and sub-sector research to identify attractive verticals, market dynamics, and consolidation opportunitiesBuild and maintain industry maps tracking public and private companies, competitive dynamics, and potential investment targets, including carve-out candidatesDevelop preliminary financial models, comparable company analyses, and precedent transaction analyses to support early-stage underwritingSynthesize research into clear investment memos and thesis documents that drive internal discussion and investment committee dialogueMonitor public companies that may divest non-core divisions and develop proactive outreach theses for corporate development conversationsSupport a Managing Director directly on strategic projects, diligence workstreams, and broader investment processes as deals progress Qualifications1-3 years of experience in investment banking, equity research, management consulting, credit investing, or other research-oriented rolesStrong financial modeling and analytical skills, with the ability to build models from primary source materials such as 10-Ks, 10-Qs, and earnings transcriptsIntellectual curiosity and a genuine passion for understanding how businesses and industries workExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex analysis into clear investment narrativesSelf-directed work style with the ability to generate independent ideas and research agendasTop undergraduate academic credentialsWillingness to work 5 days per week in-office in Los Angeles (with flexibility when needed)Interested or know someone who might be? Email your resume to mcm@hoxtoncircle.com or apply directly or send a message! All conversations are confidential.Hoxton Circle is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.