Investment Director (food)

The organisation

The Firm is the investment advisor to a new food & agriculture private equity fund launched in 2023. The fund addresses the opportunity to build sustainable food production systems with a global, integrated investment strategy and invests in both primary production assets and food processing operations with a core focus on Europe and the potential to invest in adjacent geographies that can offer integration opportunities with the core assets in Europe. The fund targets relevant minority or controlling equity stakes in established and profitable lower middle-market businesses with strong growth potential. The fund’s initial commitment is US$100 million (fully subscribed) with expectations to raise further capital after closing the initial investments.In order to execute the investment strategy and further develop the Firm’s business, we are looking for a senior investment professional with experience in the food and agriculture sector. 

The position

The Investment Director will coordinate the investment team and will support the Managing Partner in identifying, executing and managing investment opportunities primarily in the European food and agriculture sector.

In addition, the Investment Director will play a critical role in shaping the portfolio strategy, management processes, team composition and ESG policies related to the fund’s investments.

Tasks & responsibilities

Primary responsibilities

• Actively monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscape to identify emerging investment themes. Anticipate changes and disruptions that can offer opportunities or can generate risks to the fund.
• Use network and initiate market deep dives to identify new investment opportunities. Lead the team on in-depth market research and analysis, becoming an expert within key investment verticals.
• Source, evaluate, structure, negotiate and execute investment opportunities with end-to-end responsibility for the entire investment process. This includes development of a financial model and preparation of information memorandums, oversight of due diligence, legal documentation, presenting and defending investment proposals in the Investment Committee. 
• Independently lead investment projects, including negotiations and contracts with corporate finance advisors, legal firms, audit and accounting companies, etc. 
• Design and implement post-investment value creation strategy for investee companies. Actively manage portfolio companies through board or board observer positions.
• Develop and manage relationships with co-investors, limited partners, advisors, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, management teams and other stakeholders. 
• Support future fundraising campaigns.
• Design and manage the firm’s internal processes, reporting and key frameworks.
• Contribute to the development of Signet Ingrediens / GFI fund brand and reputation through thought leadership, public speaking engagements, and participation in industry events.
• Manage, coach and support junior members of a small team in their development of hard and soft skills.
• Participate, as a team leader, in supporting operations and strategy as required.

Candidate profile

Required background, skills and qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in private equity or investment banking. 
• Knowledge of the investment process, portfolio management and private equity administration.
• Undergraduate / MBA degree from a leading university / school. CFA qualification is a plus.
• Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of other European languages is a plus (German, Dutch, Spanish, French).
• Ability to lead and motivate small teams in a dynamic environment.
• Confident dealing with ambiguity and acting successfully under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Proactive, self-starter, high energy, convincing, self-confident and entrepreneurial mind-set.
• High degree of personal integrity, with the highest standards of company values and practices.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Europe and to select other geographies.
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for the firm’s vision to addressing the opportunity to build sustainable food production systems with a global, integrated investment strategy.

The offer

Competitive package, participation in the carried interest scheme and an opportunity to become a partner in the Firm.

This position will require frequent travel throughout Europe and to selected other countries.

Interested?

We kindly ask you to respond only if you recognize yourself in the requested profile. You can apply for this position by using the form below.