Vice President / Principal, Private Equity
Workplace type:
Hybrid
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Employment type:
Full-time
Seniority level:
Mid-Senior level
Industry:
Investment Management (or Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals)
Job function:
Finance
About Breakwater
Breakwater Management is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm that makes control investments in Media & Entertainment, Marketing, and Tech-Enabled Services. We target companies with $5–30 million in EBITDA. Since inception, we have deployed $650 million across seven funds and investment vehicles. We partner with founders and management teams to build value through organic growth and strategic add-on acquisitions. Recent platform investments include Jones Knowles Ritchie, a global strategic brand consultancy, and Chemistry, a leading independent marketing agency.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a VP/Principal to join our lean LA investment team. You’ll work directly with the Partners across the full investment lifecycle: sourcing, evaluation, execution, portfolio management, and exit. This is a long-term career seat, not a rotational one. We expect the right person to take on more responsibility over time, build their own relationships and track record, and grow into a Partner of the firm.
What You’ll Do
Work with Partners on deal sourcing, meeting with investment bankers, industry leaders, and management teams to drive new deal flow
Lead evaluation of new opportunities, including sell-side materials, industry and company risk, financial modeling, and financing structure
Own IOIs, LOIs, deal summaries, and investment committee materials, refining the thesis directly with the Partners
Prepare investment memoranda and market opportunities to lenders and co-investors
Take a lead role in execution, including purchase, financing, employment, and management incentive agreements
Partner with portfolio management teams on strategy, add-ons, KPI frameworks, and board reporting
Build an independent network of bankers, brokers, and deal sources
Contribute to firm-building, thesis research, and fundraising support
What We’re Looking For
3–6+ years of private equity investing experience
A track record of evaluating, diligencing, and closing control equity deals, ideally in the lower middle market
Strong modeling, structuring, and accounting skills
A true self-starter who seeks out ambiguity and ownership
Analytical rigor plus the interpersonal judgment to earn the trust of founders selling their life’s work
Excellent written and verbal communication, including experience presenting IC and investor materials
Based in Los Angeles or open to relocating over time; candidates in other major markets such as New York, Chicago, or San Francisco may work remotely initially, with regular time in Los Angeles alongside the team
Compensation
Competitive base salary, discretionary bonus, and carried interest, plus comprehensive benefits.
Breakwater is an equal opportunity employer.