Associate, Investment Banking - Industrials at Stout in Chicago, IL

ASSOCIATE, INVESTMENT BANKING - INDUSTRIALS Location: Chicago, IL At Stout, we’re dedicated to exceeding expectations in all we do – we call it Relentless Excellence ®. Both our client service and culture are second to none, stemming from our firmwide embrace of our core values: Positive and Team-Oriented, Accountable, Committed, Relationship-Focused, Super-Responsive, and being Great communicators. Sound like a place you can grow and succeed? Read on to learn more about an exciting opportunity to join our team. Impact You’ll Make: Stout is seeking an experienced Associate to join our Investment Banking group, specifically within the Industrials team. This role will focus on leading day-to-day transaction execution for middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital raising. The Associate will play a pivotal role in driving the firm’s M&A and Capital Markets advisory efforts while gaining extensive deal process experience by collaborating with senior bankers and serving as a critical resource in client coverage, prospecting, and engagement execution. This role offers Associate the opportunity to strengthen their technical skills, build client relationships, and gain valuable exposure to transaction processes while working alongside experienced professionals across the firm. What You’ll Do: • Collaborate with practice leaders and sector leaders within investment banking to secure and execute M&A transactions • Coordinate and perform business due diligence on clients and prospective opportunities • Conduct comprehensive valuation exercises for companies and business units • Prepare and deliver high-quality presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders • Take a leadership role in all phases of the transaction process, ensuring successful execution and client satisfaction • Attend client meetings and actively contribute to discussions What You Bring: • A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, or financial analysis • Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other Microsoft Office applications • Exceptional academic credentials from a top-tier university • Ability to think critically and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills • Strong transaction process orientation and attention to detail. • Highly proficient financial analysis and modeling skills • Self-starter with the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and demanding environment • Collaborative team player capable of working effectively within intimate deal teams How You’ll Thrive: • Cultivate a positive, team-oriented approach that fosters collaboration and shared success. • Demonstrate accountability and reliability by consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations. • Exhibit an entrepreneurial mindset and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of your work. • Build meaningful relationships and leverage strong interpersonal skills to create trust and drive outcomes. • Communicate effectively and respond promptly, ensuring clarity and alignment with stakeholders. • Bring intellectual curiosity and a keen attention to detail to problem-solving and decision-making. • Apply advanced analytical and quantitative skills to uncover insights and drive data-informed strategies. • Leverage a deep understanding of the sell-side execution process to navigate complex transactions and achieve optimal results. Why Stout? At Stout, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program with competitive compensation, benefits, and wellness options tailored to support employees at every stage of life. We foster a culture of inclusion and respect, embracing diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and success. Our leadership is committed to inclusion and belonging across the organization and in the communities we serve. We invest in professional growth through ongoing training, mentorship, employee resource groups, and clear performance feedback, ensuring our employees are supported in achieving their career goals. Stout provides flexible work schedules and a discretionary time off policy to promote work-life balance and help employees lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about our benefits and commitment to your success. https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Stout is an Equal Employment Opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of valid job requirements, qualifications and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.  Stout is required by applicable state and local laws to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The range for this role considers several factors including but not limited to prior work and industry experience, education level, and unique skills. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $145,000 - $175,000 Annual. This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan. Information about benefits can be found here - https://www.stout.com/en/careers/benefits.