Associate – Retail, Consumer and Leisure (RCL) London Based, European Coverage

Lazard is one of the world’s leading financial advisory and asset management firms. Our people make the difference. With just over 3,000 employees, our tight-knit community allows for professionals eager to learn and willing to teach to connect and grow together. We believe that inclusion, diversity, equity and allyship are not just business imperatives - they are central pillars of our employee experience. Our entrepreneurial culture and flat structure allow creative ideas and original concepts to drive our business forward – and for careers to take flight.

Through our financial advisory business, Lazard advises clients around the world on strategic and financial matters including mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, capital structure and capital raising. Our client relationships are built on trust and discretion. As the world’s largest advisory-focused firm, we have exceptional depth of expertise across industry sectors and geographies. We value the rich diversity that comes from blending local perspective with our global network.

Lazard is seeking an Associate to join the Retail, Consumer and Leisure (RCL) Team in London. As Europe's leading independent RCL advisory team, Lazard has advised on many of the sectors most high-profile transactions over the past decade and maintains a strong deal pipeline. The team works closely with leading corporates and financial sponsors across the retail, consumer and leisure landscape.

We are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and motivated individual, with at least four years M&A experience, to join the RCL team in London.

You’ll trust you to:

• Be responsible for the day to day support of transaction and marketing efforts and conduct company and industry analysis on new transaction opportunities;
• Support day‑to‑day transaction execution and marketing initiatives, including company and industry analysis.
• Build and analyse financial models; evaluate and adapt financial and statistical analyses.
• Assess qualitative and quantitative data to support transaction opportunities.
• Review and ensure accuracy of analysts’ work before submission to senior bankers.
• Prepare and quality‑check client presentations and marketing materials.
• Assist MDs and senior bankers with analyses, reports and ad hoc requests.
• Support transaction execution processes, including due diligence.
• Understand client objectives and contribute to strategic recommendations.
• Identify issues, propose solutions, and contribute insights to presentations.
• Communicate clearly with clients, advisors and internal teams.
• Supervise, mentor and delegate work to Analysts.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability and proactive teamwork across Lazard.
• Contribute to firm initiatives such as recruiting, training and development.

You’ll need to have:

• Significant M&A experience within an investment banking environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles underpinning financial analysis and valuation.
• Advanced financial modelling and analytical skills to support marketing and transaction execution.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality work under pressure.
• Strong initiative with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• High standards of professionalism, integrity and awareness of the regulatory environment.
• Minimum 2.1 university degree classification (or equivalent if studied outside the UK).

What’s in it for you?

We strive to enhance the total health and well-being of our employees. Our goal is to support and enable our people to balance their commitments to career, family, and community. We believe in an employee experience that is a highly individualized. We listen to what our people need and want, and create programs and initiatives designed to inform, include, and connect. When you work for Lazard, you are working for an organization that will continue to invest in your career and development.

Inclusion at Lazard

Lazard is an intellectual capital business focused on delivering the best advice and solutions to clients. Achieving these objectives requires us to identify, develop and retain the best talent. A workforce comprised of people with varied backgrounds and experiences creates a rich diversity of thought that empowers us to challenge conventional wisdom, as diverse perspectives lead to better decisions.

Our appreciation of diversity’s strength is ingrained in our multi-cultural heritage. As a global firm that has grown organically from local roots in different countries, we have a deep tradition of respect for individual differences, which has been core to our success for several decades. The ongoing cultivation of diversity and an inclusive, equitable culture are essential to our continued growth. We are committed to sustaining an environment in which all employees – regardless of socioeconomic status, race, colour, nationality, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical abilities, veteran, or military status – can maximize their individual potential and our collective success.