Job Description
Ares is currently searching for a highly motivated, detail-oriented team player to join as an Associate within our Corporate Strategy Group, predominately focused on our SPAC vehicles and associated investments. Ares has sponsored two SPACs to date: Ares Acquisition Corp. I ($1bn SPAC raised in February 2021) and Ares Acquisition Corp. II ($500mm SPAC raised in April 2023). The team also manages a portfolio of public and private debt and equity investments made in connection with our SPAC vehicles, which currently includes two portfolio companies, X-energy and Kodiak AI (NASDAQ:KDK).
Based in Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY, the Associate will report to the Partner in Strategic Initiatives who serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Ares Acquisition Corporation (“AAC”) vehicles and leads day-to-day operations for AAC. The Associate will be directly involved in all facets of the investment analysis process including opportunity identification, financial modeling, due diligence, industry research, and portfolio monitoring / management. In addition, the Associate may be used as a resource to the broader Corporate Strategy team, if and when a need arises.
This position presents a candidate with a unique opportunity to join a small, entrepreneurial group within Ares with broad exposure to the rest of the firm and to leading public and private company boards and management teams. In addition, the Associate will interact directly with senior professionals across the firm including members of Ares’executive leadership team”.
Reporting relationships
Reports to: Partner, Strategic Initiatives
Supervises: n/a
Primary functions & responsibilities
Screening and identifying new investment opportunities
Reviewing new transaction opportunities through financial modeling, market analysis, reviewing information memoranda and meeting with Company management
Preparing complex excel financial models including data and scenario analysis to assess the relative risk and relative value of potential investments
Communicating with investment banks, consultants, and other third parties relevant to transaction due diligence
Preparing investment committee memos and board presentations
Analyzing investment performance including maintaining and updating financial models as well as keeping track of relevant current market activities
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record.
Experience Required:
1-4 years of relevant principal investing or investment banking (preferably with specific experience in Leveraged Finance and/or M&A)
Investment banking experience with additional experience in Private Equity is preferred
General Requirements:
Self-motivated with the ability to set priorities, multi-task, and monitor own workload to meet aggressive deadlines
Sophisticated financial modeling and analytical capabilities with a high-level of attention to detail
Strong analytical skills and the ability to work well with limited supervision
Private equity caliber drive and ability to work effectively in a fast-moving, demanding, and dynamic environment
Evidence of adaptability, intellectually curiosity, and creative problem-solving skills
Strong verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Word
Reporting Relationships
Partner, Chief Operating Officer of Ares Acquisition Corporation IICompensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.
$140,000 - $160,000 / annum
The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.
Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.
There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.