Baird Capital Associate - Investment, Global Private Equity

About the Role

Baird Capital is seeking an Associate to join the Global Fund investment team within our private equity business. Baird Capital is the direct private investment group of Robert W. Baird & Co. (“Baird”) and invests in growing B2B technology and services businesses. Baird is a leading, employee-owned middle-market financial services firm with more than 5,200 employees and over 200 locations across the U.S. and Europe. Baird has been named to Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 23 consecutive years. Our affiliation with Baird provides access to a global knowledge platform and extensive intellectual and human capital across the sectors in which we invest.

Our private equity team has a 35+ year track record of partnering with founder-led businesses to build market-leading platforms. Supported by a global team across North America, Europe, and Asia and a flexible, stage-agnostic capital base, we tailor our investment approach to the unique needs of each business.

Baird Capital is investing out of its 3rd flagship Global Fund ($450M) targeting majority and minority investments in founder or entrepreneur led businesses across technology services & software, industrial sustainability, and pharmaceutical commercialization.

The Associate will support the full investment lifecycle, including evaluating new opportunities, conducting due diligence, executing transactions, and supporting existing portfolio companies. The role provides exposure to senior investment professionals, portfolio-company leadership teams, and internal and external advisors. Responsibilities and ownership are expected to grow as the Associate demonstrates readiness to take on additional responsibility.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, with Monday through Thursday in the Chicago office and Friday remote. The anticipated start date is Summer 2027.

Learn more about our team and investment approach on the Baird Capital website.

The Impact You’ll Make

• Evaluate Opportunities: Screen investments, conduct company and industry research, and assess key value drivers and risks.
• Execute Transactions: Support due diligence, financial modeling, valuation, deal structuring, and investment committee materials.
• Portfolio Management: Monitor performance, track key metrics, and contribute to board materials, strategic initiatives, and add-on acquisitions.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work with Baird colleagues, portfolio-company leaders, and external advisors throughout the investment lifecycle.
• Grow as an Investor: Build investment judgment and take on greater responsibility over time, with potential opportunities for a UK secondment.

What You’ll Bring to Baird

• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and consistent attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with confidence presenting to senior audiences.
• Ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, portfolio-company teams, and external advisors.
• Strong research, financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• At least two years of experience in investment banking or private equity.
• Strong academic record from a leading institution.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range of $120,000 to $130,000.
• Significant bonus and profit-sharing opportunity.
• Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, individual performance, and firm profitability.
• Additional information is available in the Total Rewards at Baird summary.

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.

About Us

Baird is an employee-owned, international financial services firm specializing in wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management. Our mission is straightforward. We strive “to provide the best financial advice and service to our clients and be the best place to work for all.” Our culture is like no other with extraordinary people who make Baird great for our clients and one another. Nationally recognized as a great place to work since 2004, we invite you to learn more about Baird, our culture and our people.

Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey – one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.