Job Description

Stifel is a leading, fast-growing, sector-driven investment bank with a global workforce of over 9,000 professionals across the US and major European financial centers. Stifel positions itself as a premier mid-market powerhouse in Europe. We partner with clients throughout their corporate lifecycle, providing flawless execution in M&A advisory and access to public and private capital.

For an ambitious professional, our Frankfurt office represents a rare opportunity to do more than just execute deals; it is a chance to actively scale a market-leading investment banking franchise during its most dynamic phase of European expansion where your individual contribution to our growth genuinely moves the needle.

Duties & Responsibilities

As an Associate at Stifel, you are expected to take immediate ownership of transaction workstreams, transitioning from production support to process leadership within the high-velocity technology mid-market.

- Transaction execution: Support the day-to-day execution of multiple mandates, including M&A, private placements, and capital raisings. You will support senior colleagues in the deal process from origination to close, overseeing the preparation of Information Memorandums (IMs), management presentations, and board-level materials while ensuring absolute quality control.

- Financial engineering: Direct the development and maintenance of complex, KPI-driven financial models. You will bridge high-level strategic concepts with granular financial nuances, analyzing capital structures and alternative transaction scenarios to provide actionable advice to growth-stage clients.

- Advanced valuation: Lead rigorous financial analyses and sign off on DCF, LBO, trading comparables, and precedent transaction methodologies. Beyond technical accuracy, you are responsible for interpreting these valuations to frame the equity story for sophisticated investors and buyers.

- Process management: Serve as a "keystone" of the deal team. You will coordinate the end-to-end business due diligence process, oversee the strategic organization of virtual data rooms (VDRs), and manage high-priority information requests from buyers and legal advisors.

- Strategic research: Spearhead in-depth industry research and financial benchmarking to drive both live execution and high-priority origination efforts. You are expected to leverage Stifel’s bespoke AI platforms and modern data architecture to synthesize market insights faster than competitors, providing a distinct advisory edge.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an entrepreneurial self-starter with a "can-do" attitude and the stamina to thrive in a high-energy, high-velocity team environment.

- Education: A top-tier Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with outstanding academic results in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related business field is required; an MBA or CFA is highly regarded.

- Experience: Between 3–5 years of professional experience in M&A, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, or Restructuring is required. Candidates should demonstrate significant transaction exposure, ideally with a proven track record in industrials or business services.

- Technical skills: Profound knowledge of Microsoft Office and expert proficiency in financial databases (Pitchbook, Capital IQ). Candidates must possess in-depth expertise in valuation methodologies and financial accounting.

- Analytical rigor: Strong numerical skills with the ability to lead complex financial analyses and bridge strategic high-level concepts with granular financial nuances.

- Language: Business fluency in German (C2 level) and professional proficiency in English are essential for this role.

- AI aptitude: A keen interest in the implementation of bespoke AI platforms. Stifel has invested heavily in modern data architecture and AI-driven banking workflows to provide a competitive edge in advisory, and Associates are expected to leverage these tools to drive process efficiency.

- Leadership & soft skills: Superior project management skills with the demonstrated ability to manage, supervise, and mentor analysts. Candidates must possess high emotional maturity and the ability to lead multiple high-priority workstreams independently under tight deadlines.

Our Culture & Values

Stifel Europe is committed to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our core values – Collaboration for Success and Diversity of Thought – drive our ability to deliver superior results for our clients. We aim to recruit and promote a diverse mixture of colleagues to ensure we bring the widest range of expertise to every mandate.

Stifel Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.