Baird is a leading global investment bank with more than 500 banking associates across the world. We provide corporations, entrepreneurs, private equity and other financial sponsors with in-depth market knowledge and a broad range of advisory and financing solutions. Since 2019, Baird has completed nearly 740 advisory transactions, representing $337 billion in transaction value, and 382 financings, raising nearly $180 billion. Committed to being a great workplace, Baird ranked No. 34 on the 2024 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list – its 21st consecutive year on the list. 

We’re seeking a Private Capital Markets Associate, Debt Focus to join our team in Chicago or New York.

About Private Capital Markets (PCM):

We deliver customized financing solutions across the entire capital structure for institutional clients in the United States and Europe. Our debt product capabilities include asset-based, 1st & 2nd lien, unitranche, mezzanine, high-yield and other structured debt instruments. Our equity product capabilities include highly structured equity and equity-linked securities for private issuers, PIPEs, secondary private equity solutions and SPACs. We assist clients with growth, acquisition and project financings, refinancings and recapitalizations, strategic partnerships and joint ventures, lender negotiations and sell-side lender education processes. Our deep sector expertise enables us to optimally position companies within a sector, advise clients through complex situations and deliver financing solutions that support our clients’ long-term strategic objectives. We possess strong relationships with an extensive and diverse list of lenders and investors, including universal banks, non-bank/credit funds, private equity, hedge funds, family offices and alternative capital providers, creating competitive processes that optimize pricing, terms, speed and certainty.

As an Associate on the Debt side of the PCM team, you will:

Drive day-to-day execution of debt transactions, including preparing and reviewing marketing documents and financial models, determining lender lists, managing marketing and due diligence processes and analyzing financing alternatives

Assist senior bankers in business development efforts with prospective corporate and PE clients

Perform research and various analyses in support of thematic publications and new business generation

Cultivate and optimize relationships with financing providers

Develop PCM Analysts

What makes the opportunity great:

You’ll play an integral role on Baird’s Global Investment Banking Team

You’ll be a part of a unique culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives while emphasizing teamwork, respect and a strong sense of partnership

You’ll gain an expert understanding of the drivers of credit quality, mechanics of credit agreements and credit market dynamics, including its participants

While initially debt focused, you’ll have an opportunity to eventually expand your product skillset working on structured equity transactions

What we look for:

Intellectual curiosity, demonstrated leadership ability, attention to detail, ability to work in teams and a commitment to excellence

Credit experience including the proven ability to drive the day-to-day execution of all aspects of leveraged financings across multiple transaction types (LBOs, recapitalizations, refinancings, add-on acquisitions and special situations)

Significant deal execution experience

Candidates must also display excellent client relationship skills and an ability to learn in a fast-paced, challenging environment

Prior leveraged finance, debt advisory, direct lending, restructuring or M&A experience required

At least 3-5 years of prior experience

Additional Details:

Compensation Information:

Min: $200,000 - $200,000 Max Annual Salary

Bonus Eligible

*Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or GIB profitability

The Baird Difference

In addition to a strong culture that is focused on health and well-being, our organization offers competitive total compensation packages and unique benefits including:

Hybrid work options

Periodic Sabbaticals during career

Protected Friday nights & Saturdays

Shareholder opportunities

Mandatory paid time off (PTO)

Robust 401k match and profit-sharing contribution

Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey – one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us. Learn more here.