Investment Banking - M&A Advisory
Senior Analyst & Experienced Associate Levels | Chicago
We're partnered with a top-tier, growth-oriented investment banking advisory platform that is actively building out its sell-side M&A group in Chicago. The team advises private equity sponsors and founder‑owned / corporate clients on high-impact transactions, with a strong emphasis on sell-side mandates in high-growth sectors.
This platform is known for lean deal teams, meaningful responsibility at the junior levels, and direct exposure to senior bankers and C-suite clients. Both roles are viewed as long-term, career-track opportunities for candidates who want deep execution experience in a highly collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.
The Opportunity
You'll work across the full M&A lifecycle, partnering closely with senior bankers on live sell-side processes while gaining exposure to multiple sectors and transaction structures. Junior team members are heavily involved in execution, client interaction, and strategic thinking - not siloed into narrow roles.
The firm places a strong emphasis on training, mentorship, and internal advancement, making this a compelling opportunity for candidates looking to build a durable investment banking career rather than a short-term stepping stone.
Responsibilities (Analyst & Associate)
• Execute financial analysis, valuation work, and transaction modeling for live and prospective M&A mandates
• Lead or support sell-side diligence, including financial, market, and business analysis
• Prepare and manage marketing materials, including CIMs, management presentations, and diligence exhibits
• Monitor industry trends and macro factors and translate insights into transaction positioning
• Anticipate execution risks and communicate issues to senior team members in real time
• Participate actively in client meetings, management calls, and drafting sessions
• Contribute to business development efforts through market research, sector analysis, and strategic frameworks
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, tools, and execution efficiency
Additional expectations at these levels include:
• Reviewing and guiding analyst work product to ensure quality and accuracy
• Acting as a player‑coach by mentoring and developing junior team members
• Taking increased ownership of execution workflows and client deliverables
Ideal Background
• Analyst level: 1-3 years of investment banking or equivalent M&A experience
• Associate level: Analyst promote or MBA hire with relevant transaction experience
• Prior sell-side advisory experience strongly preferred
• Strong technical foundation in accounting, financial modeling, and valuation
• Comfortable managing multiple workstreams in a fast-paced deal environment
• Clear, professional communicator with strong judgment under pressure
• Detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and execution-focused
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
• Bachelor's degree required
• FINRA licensing (SIE, Series 79 & 63) to be obtained within required time frame
Why This Role Stands Out
• Lean deal teams = real responsibility and visibility
• Heavy sell-side exposure with reputable sponsor and corporate clients
• Strong training culture with hands-on mentorship
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial environment without heavy bureaucracy
• Clear runway for professional development and internal progression
