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

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

Full-Time 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support M&A transactions, conduct industry analysis, and prepare client presentations.
  • Company: Join Lazard, a leading financial advisory firm with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the finance world while working with a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Significant M&A experience and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

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 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.

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.

We’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).

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

Lazard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, employees benefit from mentorship opportunities and a collaborative culture that encourages innovative thinking. The firm’s commitment to diversity and equity ensures that every voice is valued, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the financial advisory sector.

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Contact Details:

Lazard Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate – Retail, Consumer and Leisure (RCL) London Based, European Coverage

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lazard. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate – Retail, Consumer and Leisure (RCL) London Based, European Coverage

M&A Experience
Financial Modelling
Analytical Skills
Accounting Principles
Transaction Execution
Company and Industry Analysis
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lazard.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lazard's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lazard

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lazard.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lazard will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lazard employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.