Investment Banking Associate - Tech & Services

About the Role:

At Baird, our Investment Bankers are committed to excellence, collaboration and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients. We are seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join our Technology & Services team and support its continued growth. The successful candidate will bring strong sell-side transaction experience, sound commercial judgement and the ability to take ownership of key execution workstreams. Baird’s Global Investment Banking division provides M&A, debt advisory and equity financing services to middle-market companies, entrepreneurs and financial sponsors. As an Associate, you will play a central role in executing transactions, developing junior team members and supporting senior bankers in delivering high-quality strategic advice to clients.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Take ownership of key workstreams across live M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory engagements, helping to drive transactions from preparation through execution and completion
• Apply strong commercial judgement and market awareness to assess businesses, identify key value drivers and risks, and contribute to clear, well-supported client recommendations
• Lead the analysis of complex financial statements, operating data and business performance metrics, ensuring conclusions are accurate, commercially relevant and clearly communicated
• Build, review and refine sophisticated financial models, including valuation, merger consequences, LBO and operating models, and oversee the quality of supporting analysis
• Develop compelling investment cases and equity stories by assessing business models, market positioning, growth opportunities and key performance indicators
• Prepare and review high-quality client presentations, marketing materials, transaction documentation and other written communications that convey complex financial and strategic concepts with clarity and impact
• Coordinate effectively with senior bankers, management teams, clients and third-party advisers to maintain momentum, manage deliverables and support a well-run transaction process
• Guide and review the work of Analysts, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and day-to-day coaching while helping to maintain consistently high standards across the team
• Support client and business development activity through sector research, company analysis, idea generation and the preparation of pitches and strategic materials
• Maintain a strong understanding of the Technology & Services landscape, global capital markets and broader economic trends, and apply those insights to client discussions and transaction strategy

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), ideally in a numerate, business or related discipline
• Typically 3-5 years of relevant experience in investment banking, with meaningful exposure to sell-side M&A execution; comparable corporate finance or transaction advisory experience may also be considered
• The ability to utilise AI as a productivity and analytical tool, while exercising sound judgement on where human insight, critical thinking, and client judgement remain essential
• A genuine interest in, and strong working knowledge of, the Technology & Services sector; prior sector coverage experience is preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing significant transaction workstreams and producing high-quality analysis and materials under demanding timelines
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and accounting skills, with the confidence to review and challenge analysis produced by others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and engage credibly with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to delegate effectively, support junior colleagues and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment
• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word; familiarity with financial databases such as Capital IQ, PitchBook and Mergermarket is an advantage
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are an advantage
• A genuine drive to win and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding internal and external client service
• The judgement, resilience and adaptability to operate effectively as priorities change and transactions evolve

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