Investment Banking Associate 1/2 Industrials M&A

Our client, a leading international investment bank, is seeking an Associate 1 or Associate 2 level banker to join their Industrials team in Chicago. This established global firm operates across 24 locations throughout Asia, Europe, and the US, with over 750 professionals delivering tailored, independent advice across M&A, debt raisings and restructurings, private capital markets, and secondary advisory. Their dedicated Industrials team combines deep sector knowledge with extensive transaction experience both domestically and internationally — providing top-tier M&A advisory and capital raising services to public and private companies, and financial sponsors, across the industrials landscape. Coverage spans a broad range of sub-sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing & Diversified Industrials; Building Products, Energy Technology & HVAC; Chemicals & Advanced Materials; Industrial Automation & Electronics; Safety & Protection; Automotive & Mobility; Paper, Packaging & Printing; Transportation, Logistics & Supply Chain; and Industrial & Infrastructure Services. As an Associate, you will work on focused deal teams with direct client exposure and meaningful transaction responsibility from day one across diverse Industrials verticals. Key Responsibilities Lead coordination of M&A advisory transactions and debt raisingsPrepare and review confidential information memoranda, management presentations, and marketing materialsDevelop comprehensive financial analyses and valuation modelsConduct sector-specific and company due diligenceBuild relationships with senior bankers, corporate clients, private equity firms, and strategic investorsMentor and train Analyst team members Required Qualifications Undergraduate degreeInvestment banking background with Industrials M&A experience (strong preference for closed deals)Advanced financial modeling and valuation analysis expertise in ExcelRelevant FINRA licenses (SIE, Series 63, Series 79)Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detailTeam-oriented work style with proven analytical capabilitiesCurrent or recent Industrials sector experience strongly preferred Ideal Candidate Profile Currently at Associate 1 or Associate 2 level with proven transaction execution track recordExperience across Industrials sub-sectors (advanced manufacturing, building products & HVAC, chemicals & advanced materials, industrial automation, transportation & logistics, industrial services, etc.)Ability to manage multiple workstreams in fast-paced environmentsStrong business judgment and strategic thinkingSelf-motivated with ownership mentalityPassion for industrial technologies, manufacturing innovation, and the evolving industrials landscape What Our Client Offers Small deal teams enabling accelerated learning and responsibilityDirect exposure to complex Industrials transactions and senior leadershipClear advancement opportunities and mentorship from experienced bankersCollaborative, entrepreneurial culture with access to decision-makingGlobal platform with deep industry expertise across 11 sector-focused teamsHighly competitive compensation including base salary, discretionary bonus, and long-term incentivesComprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match)Professional development support Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship and H1B/TN transfers are not available at this time. Location: Chicago (in-office position) Timeline: This is an active search with interviews beginning immediately. Qualified candidates will be contacted promptly.