Consumer Investment Banking Associate I (Chicago)

Job Description Summary

Play an integral role in the department's activities with a high level of responsibility as a member of a specific industry-focused team. Responsibilities include formulating new business proposals, executing sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, capital raises, strategic advisory engagements, and other corporate finance assignments for consumer companies.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Execute sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, capital raises, strategic advisory engagements, and other corporate finance assignments.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models, valuation analyses, and operating forecasts to support client engagements.
• Prepare high-quality client deliverables, including pitch presentations, marketing materials, confidential information memoranda, management presentations, and board materials.
• Conduct industry, company, and competitive research to identify trends, market dynamics, and strategic opportunities within the consumer sector.
• Coordinate due diligence processes, data room management, and interactions among clients, buyers, investors, legal counsel, accountants, and other advisors.
• Manage day-to-day execution workstreams, ensuring transaction timelines, deliverables, and client expectations are met.
• Support senior bankers in developing new business opportunities by preparing marketing materials, identifying prospective clients, and participating in client meetings.
• Review analysts' financial models and presentation materials, providing coaching and quality control to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Monitor capital markets, M&A activity, valuation trends, and sector developments to provide timely insights to clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional industry and product teams to deliver comprehensive advisory solutions.
• Uphold the firm's standards for professionalism, confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and risk management throughout all client engagements.
• Contribute to the continued growth of the Consumer Investment Banking practice through active participation in recruiting and team development initiatives.

Skills

• Strong understanding of corporate finance, valuation methodologies, financial statement analysis, and M&A transaction processes.
• Advanced financial modeling skills, including three-statement models, DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, LBO, and merger models.
• Experience preparing client-facing materials, including pitch books, confidential information memoranda (CIMs), management presentations, and board materials.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple live transactions and business development initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial concepts clearly to senior bankers and clients.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience mentoring and developing analysts.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with clients, management teams, investors, and internal stakeholders.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to client service.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and financial information platforms such as Capital IQ, FactSet, Bloomberg, and PitchBook.
• Knowledge of the consumer sector, including industry trends, competitive dynamics, and key value drivers.

Certifications

Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE), Series 63, Series 79

Education

Bachelor’s (Required)

Work Experience

General Experience - 3 to 6 years

Certifications

Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE) - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Salary Range

$100,000.00-$0.00

Travel

Workstyle

Resident

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.