Director Investment Banking

Premier Executive Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Performance-driven bonus structure

Transparent compensation structure

Job summary

A confidential investment banking firm is seeking a Director-level Investment Banker to lead sell-side M&A transactions. The ideal candidate will have 6–12+ years of experience, a strong background in M&A execution, and a proven ability to manage client relationships. This role offers immediate deal flow and a clear path to a Managing Director position. The firm emphasizes a sustainable work pace and offers equity participation along with strong compensation, making it an attractive opportunity for senior bankers.

Qualifications

• 6–12+ years of experience in Investment Banking.
• Proven track record of running deals from start to finish.
• Experience in middle-market or boutique investment banks is preferred.
• Lead point person for client interactions.
• Experience with middle-market or boutique banks preferred.
• Meaningful transaction ownership on deal sheets.

Responsibilities

• Lead sell-side M&A transactions from pitch through close.
• Serve as the primary client point of contact during deals.
• Manage and mentor Associates and Analysts.
• Oversee financial modeling and CIM development.
• Coordinate buyer outreach processes and timelines.
• Drive execution timelines and coordinate stakeholders.
• Support firm growth initiatives as the platform scales.

Skills

Sell-side M&A execution background

Client management

Financial modeling

Team mentorship

Mentoring

Strategic deal execution

Job description

Overview

Confidential Investment Banking Director (Sell-Side M&A)

Locations: Richmond, VA | Chicago, IL | Tampa, FL (Relocation Available)

Confidential Search

A rapidly growing, founder-led investment banking firm is seeking a Director-level Investment Banker with strong sell-side M&A execution experience to lead transactions end-to-end.

Due to significant deal flow, the firm is currently turning down engagements and needs a senior execution leader who can immediately step in as the primary point of contact and run live deals independently.

This is a unique opportunity to join a high-growth platform in expansion mode, with a defined plan to scale the firm and promote Directors into Managing Director roles as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sell-side M&A transactions from pitch through close
• Serve as the primary client point of contact throughout the deal lifecycle
• Manage and mentor Associates and Analysts on live engagements
• Oversee financial modeling, CIM development, and buyer outreach processes
• Drive execution timelines and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders
• Support firm growth initiatives as the platform scales

Qualifications

• 6–12+ years of Investment Banking experience
• Strong sell-side M&A execution background (required)
• Proven track record of running deals end-to-end
• Demonstrated experience as the lead point person with clients
• Coming from a middle-market or boutique investment bank preferred
• Strong deal sheet with meaningful transaction ownership

Highly Relevant Backgrounds May Include

• Middle Market Investment Banking Firms
• Execution-focused banking teams
• Candidates currently at firms known for high deal volume and heavy execution responsibilities

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Immediate deal flow and leadership responsibility
• Clear path to Managing Director as the firm scales
• Equity participation and long-term upside
• Strong compensation and performance-driven bonus structure

This firm was intentionally built to be different from traditional investment banks. The culture emphasizes:

• Sustainable work pace (typically ~50–60 hours/week vs. traditional IB hours)
• Transparent compensation structure
• Entrepreneurial leadership team with prior successful exit experience
• Team-first, low-ego environment focused on long-term value creation

The firm is currently in a significant expansion phase and plans to scale its team substantially over the next several years. Early senior hires will play a key role in shaping the platform and have meaningful leadership and equity growth potential.

Additional Opportunities

The firm is also hiring:

• Experienced Investment Banking Associates
• Investment Banking Analysts

Confidentiality

All inquiries and applications will be handled with strict confidentiality. The client’s name will be disclosed during the interview process.