Investment Banking Associate - Tech & Services

About the Role:

At Baird, our Investment Bankers are committed to excellence, collaboration and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients. We are seeking an Investment Banking Associate to join our Technology & Services team and support its continued growth. The successful candidate will bring strong sell-side transaction experience, sound commercial judgement and the ability to take ownership of key execution workstreams. Baird’s Global Investment Banking division provides M&A, debt advisory and equity financing services to middle-market companies, entrepreneurs and financial sponsors. As an Associate, you will play a central role in executing transactions, developing junior team members and supporting senior bankers in delivering high-quality strategic advice to clients.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Take ownership of key workstreams across live M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory engagements, helping to drive transactions from preparation through execution and completion
• Apply strong commercial judgement and market awareness to assess businesses, identify key value drivers and risks, and contribute to clear, well-supported client recommendations
• Lead the analysis of complex financial statements, operating data and business performance metrics, ensuring conclusions are accurate, commercially relevant and clearly communicated
• Build, review and refine sophisticated financial models, including valuation, merger consequences, LBO and operating models, and oversee the quality of supporting analysis
• Develop compelling investment cases and equity stories by assessing business models, market positioning, growth opportunities and key performance indicators
• Prepare and review high-quality client presentations, marketing materials, transaction documentation and other written communications that convey complex financial and strategic concepts with clarity and impact
• Coordinate effectively with senior bankers, management teams, clients and third-party advisers to maintain momentum, manage deliverables and support a well-run transaction process
• Guide and review the work of Analysts, providing clear direction, constructive feedback and day-to-day coaching while helping to maintain consistently high standards across the team
• Support client and business development activity through sector research, company analysis, idea generation and the preparation of pitches and strategic materials
• Maintain a strong understanding of the Technology & Services landscape, global capital markets and broader economic trends, and apply those insights to client discussions and transaction strategy

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), ideally in a numerate, business or related discipline
• Typically 3-5 years of relevant experience in investment banking, with meaningful exposure to sell-side M&A execution; comparable corporate finance or transaction advisory experience may also be considered
• The ability to utilise AI as a productivity and analytical tool, while exercising sound judgement on where human insight, critical thinking, and client judgement remain essential
• A genuine interest in, and strong working knowledge of, the Technology & Services sector; prior sector coverage experience is preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing significant transaction workstreams and producing high-quality analysis and materials under demanding timelines
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and accounting skills, with the confidence to review and challenge analysis produced by others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and engage credibly with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to delegate effectively, support junior colleagues and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment
• Exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word; familiarity with financial databases such as Capital IQ, PitchBook and Mergermarket is an advantage
• Fluency in English; additional European languages are an advantage
• A genuine drive to win and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding internal and external client service
• The judgement, resilience and adaptability to operate effectively as priorities change and transactions evolve

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.