Industrials Investment Banking – Associate – Industrials Investment Banking

Job Description

Investment Banking Associate – Industrials | Smith Arnold Partners

The Tone:
This is a hybrid role at Smith Arnold Partners, located in Chicago, IL. Smith Arnold Partners is a highly specialized national middle market Investment Bank with deep roots in the Industrials sector, known for M&A advisory excellence across multiple sub-verticals. This Associate position is crucial for expanding the execution team, supporting a strong pipeline of M&A mandates for deals ranging from $50M to $250M, primarily focused on sell-side advisory. The firm, nearly a decade old, offers significant ownership and hands-on learning opportunities within a “start-up” culture, led by experienced MDs in their niche.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Location: Hybrid, Chicago, IL
• Pay: $135000–$150000 yearly
• Mission: This person will primarily execute M&A transactions within the Industrials sector and support senior bankers on active mandates.
• Tech Stack: Excel, PowerPoint, financial databases

What You’ll Actually Do
• Execution Support: Support senior bankers in the execution of buy-side and primarily sell-side M&A transactions across the Industrials/Industrials Services sector.
• Financial Modeling: Build and maintain detailed financial models, including LBO, DCF, and comparable company analyses.
• Client Materials Preparation: Prepare high-quality client presentations, management presentations, confidential information memoranda (CIMs), and pitch materials.
• Due Diligence and Research: Assist with due diligence processes, data room management, and conduct industry research, analyzing trends and key developments.
• Mentorship & Origination: Provide guidance to Analysts to ensure product quality and contribute to origination efforts through research, prospecting, and pitch preparation.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s or MBA preferred; core domain knowledge in Investment Banking experience, preferably focused on Industrials or related verticals.
• Experience: 3–5 years of Investment Banking experience with strong transaction execution; M&A deal experience required, and sell-side exposure strongly preferred. Will consider Buy side or Consulting experience in the P&U, Infrastructure, or any Industrials segments.
• Skills: Exceptional modeling, analytical, and presentation skills; proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial databases; strong work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Bonus: Series 79 and 63 licenses preferred (or willingness to obtain shortly after joining).