Investment Banking Associate

Blacklock Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blacklock Group in London is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its deal team. This client-facing role offers genuine deal ownership across sell-side, buy-side, and strategic advisory mandates for mid-market corporates and PE sponsors.

Key responsibilities include managing live transactions, building complex financial models, and drafting client materials. You will lead Analysts and coordinate with lawyers, tax, and accountants to drive outcomes.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in investment banking, transaction services, or related advisory.
• Strong financial modelling and valuation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to clients.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines.
• Degree in finance, economics, business, or related discipline; ACA/CFA a plus but not essential.
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a smaller, high-ownership environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day execution of live M&A transactions, coordinating workstreams across legal, financial, and commercial due diligence.
• Build and review complex financial models (DCF, LBO, merger models, accretion/dilution).
• Draft and refine client-facing materials: pitch books, information memoranda, management presentations, and board papers.
• Lead and mentor Analysts, reviewing their outputs and supporting their development.
• Manage the deal process directly with clients, counterparties, and advisers (legal, tax, accounting).
• Contribute to origination efforts: sector research, target screening, and pitch preparation.
• Act as a key point of contact on transactions, often with significant client exposure earlier than at larger banks.

Job description

A leading boutique M&A advisory firm is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its London deal team. This is a client-facing role with genuine deal ownership, working across sell-side, buy-side, and strategic advisory mandates for mid-market corporates and private equity sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day execution of live M&A transactions, coordinating workstreams across legal, financial, and commercial due diligence
• Build and review complex financial models (DCF, LBO, merger models, accretion/dilution)
• Draft and refine client-facing materials: pitch books, information memoranda, management presentations, and board papers
• Lead and mentor Analysts, reviewing their outputs and supporting their development
• Manage the deal process directly with clients, counterparties, and advisers (legal, tax, accounting)
• Contribute to origination efforts: sector research, target screening, and pitch preparation
• Act as a key point of contact on transactions, often with significant client exposure earlier than at larger banks

Candidate Profile

• 2–4 years' experience in investment banking, transaction services, or a related advisory role (M&A, corporate finance, big four TS/deals)
• Strong financial modelling and valuation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to clients
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines independently
• Degree in finance, economics, business, or a related discipline; ACA/CFA a plus but not essential
• Entrepreneurial mindset suited to a smaller, high-ownership environment