KKR Capstone Associate

KKR CAPSTONE OVERVIEW

KKR Capstone is KKR’s operations group and a unique “CEO University” for talented professionals. It gives high-performing candidates the opportunity to drive real operating change and value generation in a private equity environment, gaining valuable experience as general managers. KKR Capstone executives are expected to take ownership of key priorities and initiatives at the portfolio company, are held accountable for individual results, and are typically the primary agents of change within the organization. Team members can rise within KKR Capstone, transition into opportunities within the broader KKR firm, or take senior operating roles inside or outside the KKR portfolio. Due to the hands-on operating experience KKR Capstone executives gain, ~70% of alums who have left the team in the past decade are now C-suite execs, and more than 1/3 are CEOs.

KKR Capstone’s mission is to deliver exceptional returns on KKR’s investments by partnering with management teams to drive value in KKR portfolio companies, as well as integrating within deal teams to select the right assets. At portfolio companies, KKR Capstone drives the most important operational issues on the CEO and Board of Directors’ agendas, including top-line growth, cost optimization, organizational structure and capability, capital investment, and strategic M&A initiatives. During due diligence, KKR Capstone joins deal teams in evaluating potential acquisitions, including weighing in on crucial operational issues and value creation levers, assessing the target company’s market, and understanding the strength of the company’s position in the industry.

On a day-to-day basis, KKR Capstone executives interact with a broad range of company personnel including the Board, C-suite and line-level operators. The majority of KKR Capstone team members have previous experience in management consulting. While the executives heavily leverage the skills and experience gained in consulting, they spend the bulk of their time identifying, rapidly prototyping, and executing operational improvement initiatives (i.e. less time spent on PowerPoint and more time dealing with general management challenges).

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• 2-4+ years of management consulting experience at a top consulting firm is preferred
• Operating experience is a plus, but not required (e.g., Start-Up or Corporate work experience)
• Ideal candidates have a genuine enthusiasm and curiosity for Private Equity & Alternative Assets investing, a strong understanding of fundamental business analysis, and an outstanding professional and academic performance record (e.g., top tier performance ratings, early promotions, top class rankings)

Candidates must embody KKR’s core values, in particular: unquestioned integrity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to teamwork and excellence