Investment Banking Operations Manager

We are seeking a talented and motivated individual to work with the Chief Operating Officer within Investment Banking. Under the COO’s supervision, this person will (i) manage various aspects of Global Investment Banking’s day-to-day operations; (ii) identify, track and report on key financial and operational performance metrics; and (iii) work with the Co-heads of Investment Banking and the COO to generate leadership presentations. Activities and duties require a detailed understanding of investment banking, demonstrated success in financial analysis and modeling, and prior operations experience. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to deal well with peak workloads. Travel is limited but will involve regular trips between the Milwaukee and Chicago offices.

As an Investment Banking Operations Manager you will:

• Partner with senior Investment Banking leadership to identify, track, analyze and report on key performance indicators for measuring and managing group efficiency and productivity across financial and non-financial metrics.
• Manage day-to-day matters and provide contracting support relating to third-party vendors (three primary partners) and information services (over 60).
• Work closely with Information Technology team to assess hardware and software needs, identify opportunities to optimize the functionality and usability of our systems for investment bankers, and track and manage related projects.
• Work with the Real Estate & Facilities team to coordinate, track and manage Global Investment Banking real estate projects including periodic needs assessment across 18 locations on three continents.
• Work with Baird Travel to evolve and implement Global Investment Banking policies and manage exceptions as they arise.
• Oversee and manage Global Investment Banking’s business continuity plan.
• Coordinate with Conference Services and Global Investment Banking deal teams in setting, reviewing and coordinating the approval of closing event budgets (60+ annually).
• Ability to tolerate peak workloads, to deal with multiple projects and tasks in parallel and to maintain flexibility and composure in a high volume, high intensity, hectic environment. Availability to periodically work outside of normal business hours, including some weekends, is required.

What makes this opportunity great:

• Compelling careers working side-by-side with the best in the business
• Ability to work a variety of teams and leaders, proving your ability to be flexible and high adaptable
• Team of associates passionate about achieving great results for clients and give back to the communities where we live and work

What we look for:

• MBA degree preferred though Bachelor’s degree candidates will be considered. Minimum of five years prior relevant experience in financial or professional services and operations with demonstrated success in a managerial role.
• The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic, a demonstrated record for excellence and have the ability to function equally well in both a team setting and on a self-directed basis.
• Must be able to work with senior bankers and leaders within Global Investment Banking; numerous Corporate Resource Group functional areas including, for example, Conference Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Real Estate & Facilities, and Travel; and various vendor relationships.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and communication skills required. Need to be goal and detail-oriented while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office (emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint), SalesForce and a willingness to learn other software platforms used by the group. Must also be knowledgeable regarding various internet information data providers.

Who we are:
For nearly 100 years, Baird has provided high-quality financial advice and services with clients’ best interests in mind. Employee owned and independent, Baird serves individuals, foundations, organizations and municipalities across the country as well as corporations and institutions around the world from more than100 offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Baird has more than $200 billion in client assets.

Baird’s Equity Capital Markets group includes 500 professionals in research, institutional sales and trading, and investment banking. Baird is also home to a global private equity group, Baird Capital, that has invested in nearly 300 companies over its history.

As one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For since 2004, Baird attracts many of the financial service industry’s leading and most experienced professionals as well as top talent from the nation’s finest universities. From day one, our new associates benefit from collaborative, mentoring relationships, often interacting with senior executives at the companies we cover and getting to know our best institutional clients. The result is a truly enriching experience that provides opportunities to build your existing skills and develop a keen understanding of the industry. Discover a firm with a vested interest in your professional future.