2-Year Associate, Direct Lending (Summer 2027)

The Carlyle Group Employee Co. • New York, NY

1d

About The Position

The Associate, Direct Lending, will join Carlyle’s Global Credit team and support all aspects of the investment lifecycle. This two-year program is designed for professionals with foundational experience in credit investing or sponsor-backed finance who want to deepen their expertise in middle-market direct lending. Associates are embedded within deal teams and contribute to underwriting, structuring, and managing a diverse portfolio of credit investments. The role offers exposure to a range of sectors and investment structures in a collaborative, high-performing environment that values judgment, initiative, and analytical rigor.

The role uses AI technologies to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and execute responsibilities more efficiently. AI supports the work but does not replace strategic thinking; human insight and judgment remain essential. The position also supports Carlyle’s Direct Lending strategy, which originates senior secured loans to U.S. and European companies, predominantly sponsor-backed borrowers, as well as non-sponsored borrowers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Two to three years of experience in direct lending, leveraged finance, restructuring, credit investing, or M&A.
• Solid financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Exceptional analytical capabilities and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field.
• Prior exposure to sponsor-backed transactions.
• Familiarity with AI solutions that streamline diligence or deal execution workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct industry research and competitive analysis to support investment decisions.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models, including cash flow projections and downside scenarios.
• Develop investment memoranda and presentation materials for credit committee review.
• Participate in underwriting new transactions, including initial screening, structuring, and term sheet development.
• Support legal documentation and transaction execution processes.
• Perform ongoing portfolio monitoring, including covenant compliance, performance tracking, and reporting.
• Contribute to internal valuation processes and periodic portfolio reviews.
• Support investor-related activities such as fundraising, marketing materials, and data requests.
• Prepare sector updates and sponsor coverage materials.
• Generate benchmarking and comparable analysis to inform credit structuring.
• Draft and refine pipeline summaries and meeting notes for internal use.
• Extract insights from third-party data sources and summarize trends for deal teams.
• Deepen thematic insights across core sectors through collaborative research.
• Enhance credit structuring practices with data-informed refinements.
• Strengthen sponsor relationships through proactive engagement and tailored insights.
• Drive thought leadership within the direct lending strategy.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits.
• Health insurance.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Family planning benefits.
• Wellness programs.
• Potential eligibility to participate in an annual discretionary incentive program, dependent on individual and organizational performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level