Director, ESOP Advisory & Buy-Side M&A

BMO•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The BMO Corporate Advisory team (BCA) provides advisory services and related analytics for a broad range of strategic transactions and corporate finance topics to commercial clients and prospects of the bank. BCA works in close partnership with BMO’s commercial banking team to bring a truly strategic approach to its banking relationships, supporting companies throughout their lifecycle. BCA’s services broadly support (i) corporate growth options, including buy-side M&A as well as organic growth; (ii) ownership transition, including both partial and full liquidity options, and (iii) a wide range of general corporate finance topics. The team has a broad and diverse skillset, and is comprised of former investment banking, management consulting, corporate development, private equity and commercial banking professionals. Within BCA, the team has extensive experience and expertise surrounding ESOPs, supporting these companies across all stages (New ESOP Formations, Early-Stage ESOPs, Mature ESOPs). The Director is a key leader on deal teams, meeting with clients and prospects of the bank to understand their unique situations and objectives and collaborating across all BMO Financial Group platforms to deliver creative, comprehensive advice and financial analyses to help meet those objectives. As a corporate finance and transaction structuring expert, the Director will assist in driving revenue opportunities by actively working with Relationship Managers in the commercial bank to ensure the successful positioning of BMO as a valued-added advisor and financing source for strategic transactions. The Director will lead in developing and presenting ideas and materials covering topics such as mergers & acquisitions, valuation, shareholder buyouts, ESOPs, recapitalizations, financial returns on capital as well as capital markets transactions. Responsibilities will also include mentoring and developing junior members of the team, presenting at events and conferences, developing thought leadership pieces, collaborating with team members to develop and drive new initiatives as well as collaborating closely with other constituents across the bank.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree, with a focus on finance, economics, or accounting.
MBA or equivalent experience in finance, accounting and business law.
8-10+ years of experience in investment banking, corporate development or corporate finance.
Experience working with and advising ESOPs throughout the lifecycle
Experience negotiating and structuring M&A and other transactions.
Expert knowledge of capital markets, transaction legal matters & risk management.
Proven leadership skills, including experience with mentoring and developing junior talent.
Credit analysis understanding.
Typically 7+ years of relevant experience and post-secondary degree in related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge and understanding of business unit’s products and services, processes and controls – Expert.
Knowledge of standard desktop applications (i.e. Excel, etc.) and department systems and applications – Expert.
Understanding of business unit’s risk and regulatory requirements – Expert.
Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.
Seasoned professional with a combination of education, experience and industry knowledge.
Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth / Expert.
Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth / Expert.
Influence skills - In-depth / Expert.
Collaboration & team skills; with a focus on cross-group collaboration - In-depth / Expert.
Able to manage ambiguity.
Data driven decision making - In-depth / Expert.

Responsibilities

Operate as key member of the relationship team to position the bank as a strategic advisor to clients and prospects.
Lead strategic discussions directly with boards of directors, shareholders and executive management teams of clients and prospects.
Prepare and deliver customized corporate finance analysis and presentations.
Provide leadership to relationship teams to deliver high-quality, comprehensive transaction execution to differentiate BMO in the minds of clients and prospects – making BMO an indispensable strategic and lending partner.
Collaborate with commercial banking teams to generate ideas, identify client solutions, pursue sector marketing efforts, cover clients, and deliver timely solutions.
Provide transaction structuring expertise on debt, equity and hybrid securities.
Work with specialists as needed to support successful syndication and sales.
Mentoring and developing junior members of the team.
Presenting at events and conferences.
Developing thought leadership pieces.
Collaborating with team members to develop and drive new initiatives.
Collaborating closely with other constituents across the bank.