Job DescriptionYour new roleAs an Associate, Private Equity (Pre-MBA Fixed-Term), you will be part of the team responsible for managing AustralianSuper's global Private Equity portfolio. This is a 2-year, pre-MBA program and a developmental role designed for early-career professionals to gain hands-on investing and portfolio management experience. In this capacity, you will be fully integrated into the Private Equity team - contributing to the evaluation of private equity fund commitments and co-investments (direct investments alongside our General Partner (GP) fund managers), assisting with deal execution, and supporting ongoing portfolio monitoring.
Employment in this position will commence in August 2027.
Key responsibilities Co-Investment and Co-Underwrite Responsibilities
- Investment Analysis: Perform due diligence on co-investment and co-underwrite opportunities by:
- Reviewing due diligence materials (commercial, financial, technology, etc.), conducting financial modeling and sensitivity analyses, and assessing key value drivers and risks for the investment.
- Contributing to the preparation of well-researched investment recommendation reports for the fund's investment decision making forums.
- Portfolio Monitoring: Support the day-to-day monitoring process for the co-investment and co-underwrite portfolio. This includes:
- Facilitating quarterly update calls with GPs to discuss portfolio company performance and outlook.
- Analyzing the operating and financial performance of underlying co-investment and co-underwrite portfolio companies on a quarterly basis, and assessing the ongoing investment thesis and any emerging risks or opportunities.
- Preparing and presenting regular portfolio monitoring reports for internal stakeholders, summarizing performance, valuation changes, and key developments.
Fund Investment Responsibilities
- Fund Selection & Diligence: Assess specific Private Equity funds by applying a disciplined and consistent investment process, perform fund-level and GP-level due diligence, coordinate the various internal activities (e.g. legal, tax and operational risk), act as a conduit between the internal teams and the GP, and contribute to a recommendation report.
- Relationship Development: Help to develop and cultivate relationships with new and existing GPs. Represent AustralianSuper professionally in interactions with fund managers.
- Relationship Management: Support day-to-day relationship management with our GPs (both incumbent and prospective).
- Team Participation: Actively participate in internal team meetings and investment discussions, contributing your analysis and viewpoints on fund opportunities and due diligence findings.
- Fund Portfolio Monitoring: Support the ongoing monitoring of the fund portfolio.
- Reviewing and assessing fund performance on a quarterly basis, including analysis of underlying portfolio companies' operating metrics and any changes at the GP or fund level that could impact performance.
- Preparing and presenting quarterly fund monitoring reports with key performance updates, insights, and recommendations for internal review.
- Reviewing fund-related corporate actions or amendments (such as changes to fund terms or key documents), coordinating with internal legal/compliance teams to evaluate implications, and formulating recommendations or responses as needed.
What you'll need- Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field (tertiary qualification required). Strong academic performance is expected.
- Experience: 1-3 years of full-time experience in investment banking or in a similar financial services role.
- Experience with financial analysis, transaction processes, and valuation techniques relevant to private equity investing.
- Analytical & Modeling Skills: Superior quantitative and financial modeling abilities, with advanced proficiency in Excel.
- Ability to build, analyze, and interpret complex financial models (e.g., LBO, cash flow models) accurately and efficiently.
- Research & Due Diligence: Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to dissect company financial statements, market data, and investment documents to derive insights.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Capable of preparing clear, concise investment memorandums and presentations, and communicating findings and recommendations effectively to colleagues and senior stakeholders.
- Organization & Project Management: Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks and workstreams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Highly organized, with a track record of meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality work under time pressure.
What to expect Throughout the program you will gain exposure to top-tier GPs and the full deal life cycle - from due diligence and financial modeling to investment committee presentations and portfolio management. Upon completion of the 2-year term, you will receive structured job placement support and networking assistance to help you transition to the next step of your career, whether that involves pursuing an MBA or moving into a new role in the industry. In select cases, the Private Equity team may also consider outstanding performers for a permanent Associate position on the team, though this is not an expected or guaranteed outcome of the program.
This role is a junior investment professional position. While expected to take on significant responsibilities as outlined, the role is designed to be supportive and developmental - you will work under the guidance of experienced team members and have access to training and mentorship opportunities to accelerate your learning.
This 2-year Associate role offers a unique springboard for talented junior professionals to accelerate their career in investments. Participants are expected to bring energy, curiosity, and a strong work ethic, and in return will gain extensive experience and networking opportunities in the private equity field. While some alumni of this program choose to pursue an MBA following the program, it is not a requirement or expectation - participants will be fully supported in whichever path they choose next, whether continuing on to graduate school or advancing directly into a new role in the industry.
Applications close on Sunday October 25, 2026. Pay transparency noticeThe compensation range for this position is $220,000 to $260,000 (this is based on full-time hours, located in New York City). The pay offered may vary depending on job related knowledge, skills, and experience and refers to the amount AustralianSuper is willing to pay at the time of posting.
Life at AustralianSuperAs we collaborate with colleagues across multiple time zones flexibility in work hours are both a requirement and opportunity for this role.
We offer great benefits, including generous 401(K) matching, health insurance and promote a blended working environment in which all roles can flex, and we're happy to discuss what this looks like for you.
We are committed to supporting our diverse workforce in a way that is inclusive and embraces diversity in all its forms. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role, please let our recruitment team know.
What's nextApply now, if you share our values of Energy, Integrity, Generosity of Spirit and Excellent Outcomes and would like the opportunity to work in a challenging, growing and rapidly evolving team to deliver outstanding results.
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