Experienced Associate, M&A,

Experienced Associate, M&A, 2026

Department: M&A Consulting

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: San Francisco, CA

Compensation: $100,000 - $108,000 / year

Advance your career at the intersection of private equity, strategy, and data-driven problem solving. At IGS, Associates work directly on high-stakes investment and growth strategy engagements across industries, taking on early responsibility, senior client exposure, and rapid professional development in a collaborative, high-performance environment.

• Eligibility: Currently employed professionals with 1-2 years of relevant consulting experience
• Start Date: Rolling, based on candidate availability
• Practice Areas: M&ACommercial Due Diligence
• Work Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid) | San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)

Professionals currently working, with relevant experience in consulting, due diligence, or related private equity advisory work. This is an experienced-hire position, separate from our campus recruiting program. Our full-time campus roles for the Class of 2027 open in August, so if you're still in school.

• High-impact client work and responsibility from day one
• Direct exposure to private equity and growth strategy
• Exposure to a wide range of industries and business models
• Entrepreneurial, high-performance, and collaborative culture
• Direct mentorship and coaching from experienced consultants
• Opportunity to work closely in a collaborative boutique environment

Our work is fast-paced and provides opportunities for rapid skill and knowledge development. Associates gain experience across a broad set of industries while working on a case team with three to five members, taking on a high level of responsibility across both project execution and client-facing deliverables.

• Design and conduct market research to answer critical client questions, such as:
  • How is the company positioned relative to competitors?
  • How do customers perceive the company versus alternatives?
  • What are the most promising opportunities for expansion or improvement?
  • How large is the market, and what is its growth trajectory?
  • What drives market growth and profitability?
• Prepare analyses, synthesize findings, and deliver actionable insights to clients
• Collaborate with team members to create high-impact presentations for senior executives and investors

Associates build a well-rounded skill set through hands-on project work, including:

• Conducting market sizing, growth, and competitive analyses
• Developing client-ready presentations and executive interview guides
• Leading and managing primary research teams
• Building proficiency in Excel, databases, and financial modeling
• Prioritization and time management proficiency with our double staffing model (2+ projects simultaneously)
• Presenting findings in team and client settings
• Strengthening teamwork, communication, and leadership skills under tight deadlines

Interests & Mindset

We seek candidates who are intellectually curious, driven, and excited about working in a collaborative environment, with interests in:

• Assessing investment and growth opportunities for private equity firms and corporate clients
• Gaining an in-depth understanding of a wide variety of industries
• Conducting primary and secondary research to better understand markets
• Creating complex analyses to answer clients' key questions
• Synthesizing quantitative and qualitative results to be presented to clients
• Assuming a high level of responsibility by managing primary research teams
• Working in a dynamic, collegial setting
• Living and working in Boston (IGS Associates rarely travel)

• Bachelor’s…