Job Description

Are you an experienced Investment Banker looking to escape the rigidity of a traditional platform and take the lead in building something with long-term equity potential?

Our client is one of the fastest-growing M&A advisory firms in the U.S., with a high close-rate, strong reputation, and a differentiated, founder-first model focused on lower middle-market transactions . We're seeking a Director/MD who will lead M&A strategy and execution while also shaping the future of the firm’s platform, offerings, and client relationships.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants the deal sophistication of investment banking , the strategic advisory touch of consulting , and the business-building upside of a partnership model .

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Client Advisory

• Serve as a senior advisor to owners, founders, and C-suite leaders of family-owned and founder-led businesses.
• Drive strategic M&A and capital planning conversations—including acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, and alternative exits.
• Help clients clarify exit timing, structure, valuation expectations, and strategic positioning.

Deal Origination & Execution

• Lead sourcing and relationship-building efforts with business owners, PE firms, and strategic buyers.
• Own and oversee transaction execution from initial pitch through close—including valuation, CIM creation, management presentations, buyer outreach, and diligence coordination.
• Partner closely with internal teams across diligence, valuation, tax structuring, and legal support to ensure seamless execution.

Exit Strategy Design

• Evaluate and guide clients through all forms of exit: private sale, majority/minority recap, IPO readiness, generational transfer, and ESOP.
• Assess market readiness, optimize positioning, and de-risk the sale process for founders.

Practice Building & Thought Leadership

• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of Associates and Analysts.
• Play a key role in recruiting future talent and enhancing firm-wide capabilities.
• Represent the firm at industry events, networking forums, and private capital markets summits.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience:

• 12+ years in Investment Banking, M&A Advisory, Private Equity, or Corporate Development
• Proven success executing deals in the lower middle market (sub-$250M EV)
• Industry expertise in Industrials , Manufacturing , or Building Products is highly desirable

Skills & Attributes:

• Deep experience in financial modeling, valuation, and M&A structuring
• Strong executive presence with ability to influence founder/owner-operators
• Entrepreneurial mindset—motivated by ownership, autonomy, and long-term upside
• Comfort navigating both strategic advisory and hands-on transaction work
• Excellent project management and leadership abilities

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required (Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related)
• Advanced degree or CFA a plus

Why Join?

• Entrepreneurial Platform: Step out of the box of traditional IB and help build a differentiated, high-integrity firm.
• Equity Upside: Competitive compensation structure with meaningful partnership potential.
• Client Impact: Work directly with business owners and founders who trust you as a strategic guide.
• Culture: A collaborative, high-performing team without the bureaucracy.

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