Investment Banking Associate Industrials M&A (Elite Boutique)

Our client is a premier global financial advisory firm renowned for its strategic M&A counsel, restructuring expertise, and capital advisory services. With a distinguished history spanning over 175 years, the firm maintains an entrepreneurial culture and flat organizational structure that empowers professionals to develop direct relationships with C-suite executives and drive meaningful outcomes for clients.
The Industrials team specializes in advising leading companies across Capital Goods, Transportation, Automotive, Business Services, Chemicals, Building Products, Packaging, and Aerospace & Defense on their most critical strategic transactions. Based in New York, the within this group serves as a key component of the firm's global industrials practice, leading coverage and execution for companies across the United States. The firm's advisory-focused model and lean deal team structure provide Associates with exceptional exposure to senior bankers and client executives throughout every engagement.
The Opportunity
The firm seeks an exceptional Associate 2 to join their Paper & Packaging investment banking team in New York City. This role offers immediate and significant client exposure, substantial analytical and execution responsibility, and a clear path to Vice President. The position provides the entrepreneurial learning environment and mentorship typical of elite advisory platforms, where Associates are given meaningful deal responsibilities and direct interaction with senior management teams.
Key Responsibilities
Transaction Execution & Analysis

Perform sophisticated financial analyses and create complex valuation models
Lead financial modeling across various transaction structures and strategic scenarios
Conduct comprehensive research on relevant companies, competitors, and sector dynamics
Manage critical workstreams within deal processes from mandate through closing
Coordinate across legal, accounting, and other advisory partners

Client Interaction & Relationship Development

Prepare and create compelling client presentations and meeting materials
Interface directly with client senior executives including CEOs, CFOs, and Board members
Develop understanding of client strategic objectives and translate into actionable recommendations
Build credibility as trusted advisor through technical excellence and strategic insight

Team Leadership & Development

Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to Analyst-level team members
Lead internal deal teams ensuring excellence in execution and client service
Contribute to positive team culture and firm intellectual capital
Help prepare for key industry events and conferences hosted by the firm

Required Qualifications

At least 1 year of investment banking experience at the Associate level
Strong preference for candidates with M&A deal experience and transaction leadership
Demonstrated experience in Industrials, particularly in Paper & Packaging
Exceptional financial modeling skills and quantitative capabilities with meticulous attention to detail
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with C-suite presentation experience
Proven ability to manage multiple transactions and projects simultaneously
Demonstrated leadership capabilities and commitment to team development
Bachelor's degree from a top-tier university with top academic performance
Comfort operating in fast-paced environment that values initiative, creativity, maturity, and poise
Team player mentality with strong motivation to contribute to collaborative culture

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or advanced degree from leading institution
Experience across multiple industrials subsectors and transaction types
Background in private equity, operating roles, or industrial strategy consulting
Technical expertise in complex deal structures and creative financing solutions
Multi-cycle market experience
Track record of analyst mentorship and development

Compensation & Benefits

Highly competitive base salary: $185,000 - $275,000 commensurate with experience
Performance-based bonus with significant upside potential
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with firm matching
Professional development budget and commitment to career advancement
Individualized employee experience supporting work-life balance
Industry conference attendance and networking opportunities

Firm Culture
The firm maintains a tight-knit community of just over 3,000 employees globally, fostering an environment where professionals eager to learn connect with senior bankers willing to teach. The entrepreneurial culture and flat structure allow creative ideas to drive business forward and enable careers to take flight. The firm differentiates itself among leading investment banks through its commitment to investing in Associates and developing them into successful senior bankers.
The organization is built on the premise that diverse perspectives create richer thought leadership and better client outcomes. With organic growth from local roots across different countries, the firm maintains a deep tradition of respecting individual differences and supporting every colleague in maximizing their potential.
To Apply
If you're a top-tier professional passionate about becoming a world-class advisor in the Industrials space, we want to hear from you. This is a highly selective process and the firm is moving quickly to identify exceptional talent.