Managing Director, Food & Beverage Investment Banking

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Job Summary

KeyBanc Capital Markets is a leading corporate and investment bank offering capital markets and advisory solutions across a range of dynamic industries. The Managing Director, Food & Beverage Investment Banking, will be responsible for originating, developing, and managing senior-level relationships with public and private Food & Beverage companies, sponsors, and industry participants. The role will lead the sourcing, pitching, execution, and closing of M&A transactions, capital raises, and strategic advisory engagements while serving as a trusted advisor to clients across the Food & Beverage sector.

This position requires deep industry expertise, strong client management skills, demonstrated business development success, and the ability to execute complex transactions including sell-side and buy-side M&A, corporate divestitures, equity and debt capital raises, restructuring assignments, and fairness opinions.

Essential Functions

• Generate revenue through the origination, execution, and closing of M&A and strategic advisory transactions within the Food & Beverage sector.
• Develop and maintain trusted advisor relationships with senior executives, boards of directors, founders, family-owned businesses, and private equity sponsors active in the Food & Beverage industry.
• Lead sector coverage efforts and identify opportunities across Food & Beverage subsectors including packaged foods, beverages, ingredients, consumer products, food distribution, restaurants, agribusiness, specialty foods, and health and wellness brands.
• Build new client relationships through thoughtful and targeted business development activities, leveraging industry knowledge, market insights, and sector connectivity.
• Develop and execute strategic coverage plans to expand KeyBanc Capital Markets' presence and wallet share across Food & Beverage corporate and sponsor clients.
• Partner with debt capital markets, equity capital markets, syndications, corporate banking, derivatives, treasury solutions, and other product partners to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients.
• Lead deal teams through all phases of transaction execution, including marketing, valuation, due diligence, negotiation, structuring, and closing.
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, consumer behavior, commodity and supply chain dynamics, regulatory developments, and competitive positioning within the Food & Beverage sector.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level investment bankers, providing technical guidance, industry expertise, and career development support.
• Work collaboratively with team members to identify cross-sell opportunities and promote other lines of business through referrals and client engagement.
• Represent KeyBanc Capital Markets at industry conferences, trade associations, and client events to enhance visibility and support business development initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
• Comply with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key's clients and Key.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field required, or equivalent work experience. MBA, CFA, or other advanced degree or certification preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of investment banking, corporate finance, or capital markets experience. Demonstrated track record of originating and executing investment banking transactions within the Food & Beverage sector. Significant experience advising corporate clients, founders, family-owned businesses, and private equity firms on strategic transactions. Proven success developing senior-level client relationships and generating investment banking revenue. Strong understanding of Food & Beverage industry dynamics, trends, valuation drivers, and competitive landscape.
• FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 79, and Series 63 required.

Skills

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and influence teams while fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Food & Beverage Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of Food & Beverage sector trends, business models, competitive dynamics, supply chains, consumer behavior, and valuation methodologies.
• Investment Banking: Providing strategic advisory services and capital-raising solutions, including mergers and acquisitions, underwriting, restructuring, and other corporate finance activities.
• Mergers & Acquisitions Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of the M&A lifecycle, including target identification, valuation, due diligence, negotiation, deal structuring, and execution.
• Client Management: Building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with executive leadership teams, boards, founders, and private equity sponsors.
• Business Development: Identifying and pursuing new opportunities, client relationships, and strategic partnerships to expand market presence and revenue generation.
• Business Transactions: Leading and executing acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions.
• Strategic Advisory: Providing industry-informed insights and recommendations regarding growth initiatives, portfolio optimization, shareholder value creation, and strategic alternatives.
• Customer Centricity: Prioritizing client objectives and delivering tailored solutions that address unique business and financial needs.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across coverage, product, and corporate banking teams to deliver comprehensive client solutions.
• Influencing Others: Persuading and motivating stakeholders through credibility, expertise, and effective communication.
• Negotiation: Driving successful outcomes through strategic negotiation and relationship management.
• Strong Risk Culture: Demonstrating sound judgment and proactive risk management while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and firm requirements.

Physical Demands

Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face-to-face and via telephone or video conferencing with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, and occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of bags and equipment up to 40 pounds.

Travel Requirements

Significant travel required for client meetings, industry conferences, roadshows, business development activities, and Food & Beverage sector events.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.