Data Specialist (M&A)

About the Role:

As a Data Specialist within the Global Investment Banking division, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Financial Sponsors Group (FSG) by delivering high-impact data solutions and insights. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and is passionate about leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making. You’ll be responsible for preparing Private Equity client-specific information packages, managing opportunity tracking workflows, and maintaining critical CRM and reporting systems—including advanced use of Salesforce and Power BI for data visualization and reporting. Your work will directly support senior bankers in client engagements, onboarding initiatives, and marketing efforts within an M&A environment.

This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate across teams and contribute to the success of high-profile investment banking initiatives. You’ll be expected to demonstrate strong organizational skills, technical proficiency in tools like Salesforce and Microsoft Office, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. If you're a confident self-starter with a keen eye for accuracy and a commitment to excellence, this role will allow you to make a meaningful impact while growing your career in a dynamic global setting.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Prepare and deliver regular Private Equity client-specific information packages for FSG bankers’ client meetings, leveraging private equity websites, market intelligence sources, and Salesforce.

• Assist with the update and maintenance of FSG banker-specific reports including call activity reports, coverage reports, opportunity tracking and other report revisions.

• Coordinate with senior bankers to provide information or facilitate requests regarding sponsors, including industry-specific asset screening initiatives, particularly for onboarding new senior hires.

• Daily private equity data processing within internal databases/CRM from information available from Global Investment Banking reports, resources, or outside data platforms (e.g., private equity websites, Unquote Data, Mergermarket, Pitchbook, etc.).

• Making general updates to the sponsor database and CRM including:

  • Adding sponsor investment and sector/subsector criteria.

  • Updating sponsor contact information, such as inputting correct contact type classifications and detailed information about relationships.

  • Updating sponsor portfolio company information such as financial performance details, business description and priority status.

• Updating FSG Buyer Strips Database with sponsor commentary used in pitches in MS Excel and PowerPoint.

• Assisting with the regular/mass data clean-up of sponsor investment criteria and contact information.

• Regularly communicating with others in the Global Investment Banking team to request/confirm information for databases, reports or CRMs.

• Participate in opportunity tracking discussions, including the distribution of target reports to sector bankers, documenting key points from calls, managing follow-ups, and tracking their progress.

• Create tailored Salesforce reports and Power BI dashboards to support business intelligence needs.

• Assisting with the research of private equity firms or space, and entry of information into internal databases/CRM.

• Assisting with regular requests from project deal teams on sponsor buyer behavior, including supplying or updating, when needed, sponsor sell-side activity statistics.

• Preparing FSG marketing materials.

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

Business Competencies

• Pursuit of excellence.

• Client awareness.

• Contribution to corporate success.

• Supports compliance culture.

• Demonstrated interest in finance, high-level understanding of investment banking.

Personal Skills

• Strong client service and good communication skills.

• Confident self-starter.

• Excellent organisation and administrative skills.

• Capable of producing accurate work.

• Effective time management skills.

• Committed team member, reliable and trustworthy.

• Ability to thrive within a dynamic and changing environment.

IT Skills

• Experience using advanced MS Office CRM tool experience (Salesforce preferred), Power BI, various search engines, and AI comprehension.

Professional Experience:

• Some administrative experience, preferably within Investment Banking or a similar fast-moving/deadline-driven environment.

During your employment, you must comply with the FCA rules and guidance including but not limited to the FCA’s Conduct Rules.

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Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.