DACH Origination Professional - Direct Private Equity

ppbYour team /b /p /p pPictet Alternative Advisors (PAA) is a leading alternative investment asset manager that is part of the Pictet Group, with a focus on private equity, real estate, private credit and hedge funds. Pictet Group currently has more than €50bn of AUM in alternatives and more than €25bn of private equity AUM. Pictet launched its first direct private equity fund in 2023, with a focus on mid-market European buyout investments, raising over €430m. br/As the fund is now in active deployment, we are looking to expand our origination capability and hire an Origination Professional dedicated to the DACH lower mid-market.br/You will be part of a team of 13 professionals dedicated to the direct private equity fund. The team invests primarily across the UK and DACH in founder-led businesses in B2B services and education. br/Your role will be based out of Zurich with frequent travel across DACH and London, where the fund is based. /pppbYour role /b /p /p pAs a key member of the direct private equity team, you will be responsible for generating a consistent, high-quality pipeline of proprietary acquisition opportunities in the DACH lower mid-market (€2–10m EBITDA, owner-managed businesses). The role combines direct founder outreach as well as corporate finance adviser coverage supporting the team’s thematic investment priorities, and the development of a modern origination tech stack. Your responsibilities will include: /p liDirect Origination: Conduct structured mapping of companies within sub-sectors aligned to the fund's thematic priorities; Run structured multi-channel outreach to founder-led businesses; Travel across DACH to meet entrepreneurs, qualify opportunities against investment criteria, and nurture longer-term prospects through structured CRM-driven relationship management; Evaluate and deploy new origination tools to scale the firm's sourcing edge. /li liAdviser Intermediary Coverage: Build and maintain active dialogue with regional advisers, corporate finance boutiques and accountants who advise owner-managed businesses on exit; Travel regularly across DACH to meet advisers and position the fund consistently to ensure it is top of mind for upcoming sale mandates. /li ppbYour profile /b /p /p liUniversity degree from a strong institution; degree subject is secondary to drive, judgement and origination instinct. /li liGerman native / mother tongue and strong English fluency. /li li7-10 years total work experience including 2-5 years in a role centred on direct, regular contact with business owners and senior decision-makers in the DACH - origination, business development or cold-outreach experience is essential. /li liOrigination experience at a private equity firm or in mid-market corporate finance advisory is strongly preferred; alternative backgrounds will be considered where strong personal attributes and origination experience are present. /li liVisible origination energy: a resourceful and resilient self-starter with high activity levels, comfortable with cold approaches, the phone, and regular DACH travel. /li liGenuine people person: builds rapport naturally with founders of owner-managed businesses, demonstrating maturity and commercial judgement, and earns trust quickly with intermediaries. /li liFluent in modern origination technology (CRM, AI tools and outreach platforms), actively curious about deploying new tools to scale proprietary sourcing. /li pBeyond professional skills, the ideal candidate should demonstrate hunger and smart hustle - high output paired with sharp prioritisation - alongside commercial judgement, integrity in handling sensitive founder and adviser conversations, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. /p pAs the chosen candidate, you'll have the unique opportunity to join one of the world's leading private financial institutions. You'll be embedded in an ambitious direct investments team, working in a dynamic "start-up" environment while benefiting from the support of experienced senior professionals within the PAA team and the broader Pictet Group. /pppbNote /b /p /p We will not accept any CVs via agenciesppbDiversity Inclusion /b /p /p pbPictet is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse environment. We respect all individuals and seek their inclusion in the workplace. /b /p