Job details

Equity Research Associate - Consumer Sector

Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.

Join William Blair, the Premier Global Boutique.

William Blair has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, and we continue to deepen our expertise and relationships across regions, asset classes, and markets throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

We are committed to our people and culture, values, clients, and local communities.

What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with employees who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries.

We strive to attract the most qualified, passionate candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and a variety of other business functions.

We work tirelessly to create an inclusive culture and take pride in fostering employees’ professional and personal growth. We empower our people to bring their best thinking each day so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect.

Equally, we are proud of our long-term partnerships with the communities in which we live and work, a legacy we inherited from our founder.

We invite you to learn about how we are seeking excellence in everything we do and empowering our clients’ success with passion, creativity, and rigor. For more information, visit williamblair.com.

William Blair’s sell-side equity research team is responsible for delivering superior investment ideas and value-added perspective for over 600 quality growth companies. Through exhaustive fundamental research and unique insight derived from independent thinking, the team’s award-winning analysts work tirelessly to identify companies that can deliver superior investment returns for clients. Acting as the company's laboratory for new investment ideas, it specializes in providing investment analysis on companies in the following industry sectors: consumer; financial services and technology; global industrial infrastructure; global services; healthcare; and technology, media, and communications.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Assemble and validate data on quality growth companies using internal and external data sources. Collect information on industry events, company financials and investment information, and other relevant data to support fundamental research objectives. Evaluate potential data sources and ensure data complies with firmwide data standards.
Assist senior Research Analysts in defining and documenting objectives and approaches for specific research projects and studies. Conduct research using predefined parameters. Build and/or update financial models and other statistical data to conduct security analyses and identify opportunities to achieve significant investment returns. Communicate findings to Research team and refine analyses based on team input.
Prepare internal and external written reports, notes, presentations, and other materials to communicate research findings, news events investment ideas and opinions resulting from security analyses.
Visit companies, attend conferences and other relevant events. Build and maintain relationships with company executives. Document contact points and information obtained to assist in analysis activities.
Identify and formulate new investment ideas, and issue opinions and recommendations to clients on securities and companies in targeted industry groups in order to generate new business activity.
Respond to inquiries from clients, investment teams, sales and marketing and the general public regarding individual securities or industry groups.
Ensure all work activities are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Additional responsibilities as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required with concentration in Finance or Accounting preferred.
Minimum of two-three years related work experience.
CFA, CPA, or technical designation preferred.
Strong conceptual and critical thinking skills.
Advanced accounting and financial statement analysis skills.
Proficiency in building computer generated financial models.
Strong written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to convey complex financial information in an understandable manner to various audiences.
Client service oriented. Commits to satisfying internal and external customers.
Ability to work independently in support of team goals.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Bloomberg, and other investment industry standard data sources.
SIE Exam, Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 required (must be obtained within first 180 days).

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A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.

This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.

Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range

$115,000—$155,000 USD

William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v

Be aware of hiring scams: William Blair has clear processes and guidelines with regards to recruiting. We do not request personal financial information in connection with an employment application nor does William Blair extend any employment offers without first conducting an interview through one of its registered offices. William Blair does not use instant messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage as part of the recruiting or interviewing process.

Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: William Blair does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be considered as a valid submission.

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Contact us should you have any questions or concerns.

Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$115000K

$155000K

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What You Should Know About Equity Research Associate - Consumer Sector, William Blair

Join William Blair as an Equity Research Associate focusing on the Consumer Sector in Chicago, Illinois! At William Blair, we're all about creating solutions for today's challenges while envisioning tomorrow's opportunities. As part of our award-winning sell-side equity research team, you'll leverage your analytical skills to delve into over 600 leading growth companies. Your responsibilities will range from assembling and validating essential data to conducting thorough financial model analyses, setting you up to glean insights and provide invaluable investment recommendations. You'll collaborate with senior research analysts, prepare insightful reports, and communicate complex financial concepts with clarity, all while building relationships with key industry executives during company visits and conferences. Your attention to detail and critical thinking will help identify new investment opportunities as you navigate the fast-paced world of finance. We're committed to fostering a supportive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes professional growth. If you have a proven background in finance or accounting and a strong desire to succeed, we want you on our team. Come be part of a company that prioritizes excellence, passion, and creativity, empowering you to deliver tailored solutions that resonate with our clients and community!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Equity Research Associate - Consumer Sector Role at William Blair

What are the responsibilities of the Equity Research Associate at William Blair?

As an Equity Research Associate at William Blair, you'll be tasked with assembling and validating data on quality growth companies, assisting senior analysts in defining research project parameters, conducting in-depth financial analysis, and preparing reports to communicate your findings. You’ll also engage with industry executives and identify new investment opportunities, all while ensuring compliance with company standards.