M&A Associate – Investment Banking

About the role

Jefferies is looking for a highly motivated Associate to join its M&A team in London. The role involves working on high‑profile, cross‑border transactions across multiple sectors, supporting senior bankers and advising corporates, private‑equity firms and financial sponsors.

Key responsibilities

• Execute buy‑side and sell‑side M&A mandates, strategic advisory and defence assignments.
• Prepare and maintain financial models (DCF, LBO, trading comps, transaction comps) and conduct valuation analyses.
• Develop high‑quality client materials such as pitch books, information memoranda, management presentations and board decks.
• Coordinate due‑diligence processes, manage data rooms and liaise with advisors and clients.
• Support senior bankers in client relationship management and business development.
• Supervise and mentor Analysts, ensuring accuracy and quality of deliverables.
• Monitor market developments, sector trends and comparable transactions.

Required profile

• 3–5 years of investment‑banking experience, preferably within an M&A team at a top‑tier bank or advisory firm.
• Strong academic background – Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams on live transactions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.
• Highly driven, proactive, intellectually curious and a strong team player.
• Commercial mindset with genuine interest in corporate finance and strategic advisory.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Required skills

• Financial modelling
• Valuation analyses
• Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modelling
• Leveraged Buy‑Out (LBO) modelling
• Trading comparables (trading comps)
• Transaction comparables (transaction comps)

What we offer

• Entrepreneurial culture with lean deal teams and significant responsibility from day one.
• Strong deal flow across sectors and consistent market share in European M&A.
• Close collaboration with senior bankers and high‑profile clients.
• Clear progression path within a meritocratic environment.