Senior Commercial Banker, Employee Stock Ownership Plan - Capital & Advisory Solutions - Executive Director

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Family: Relationship Manager

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a Commercial Banking division that empowers middle-market companies through innovative solutions. As a Senior Commercial Banker, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Capital & Advisory Solutions - Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in our Chicago office, driving revenue by delivering specialized ESOP expertise to clients navigating employee ownership transitions. This position within the Relationship Manager category requires a strategic mindset to originate, structure, and manage ESOP transactions, ensuring seamless integration with our broader capital advisory offerings. You will partner with business owners, family enterprises, and management teams to design ESOPs that align with succession planning, tax optimization, and long-term growth objectives, all while upholding JP Morgan's commitment to ethical banking practices and client success. In this executive-level role, you will lead complex advisory engagements, from initial feasibility studies and financial modeling to execution of leveraged ESOP financings and post-transaction support. Collaborating with cross-functional teams including credit risk, legal, and treasury services, you will customize solutions that leverage JP Morgan's vast resources in commercial lending and capital markets. Your efforts will directly contribute to portfolio expansion and revenue targets, positioning JP Morgan Chase as the trusted advisor in the evolving ESOP landscape. Success in this role demands a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks like ERISA and IRS guidelines, coupled with the ability to identify opportunities in a competitive financial services environment. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a world-class institution that values innovation, diversity, and professional growth. This Executive Director position offers the chance to influence high-impact deals in Chicago's dynamic business community, with opportunities for advancement in our global network. If you are a seasoned banker passionate about ESOPs and ready to drive transformative outcomes for clients, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with middle-market clients seeking ESOP solutions, driving revenue through tailored financing and advisory services
• Provide expert guidance on ESOP design, implementation, and ongoing administration to support employee ownership transitions
• Structure and execute ESOP transactions, including debt financing, valuation assessments, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with internal teams in Capital & Advisory Solutions to deliver integrated banking products and risk management strategies
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the ESOP market, leveraging market insights to meet client needs
• Conduct financial analysis and modeling to evaluate ESOP feasibility and optimize capital structures
• Ensure adherence to JP Morgan Chase's risk management policies and federal regulations in all advisory engagements
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the growth of the Commercial Banking ESOP practice
• Monitor portfolio performance of ESOP clients and provide proactive advisory to mitigate risks and enhance value
• Represent JP Morgan Chase at industry events and build networks to expand the ESOP client base

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in commercial banking, with a focus on ESOP financing and advisory services
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth in financial services, particularly in middle-market lending and capital solutions
• Deep knowledge of ESOP regulations, tax implications, and compliance requirements under ERISA and IRS guidelines
• Strong experience in client relationship management within the commercial banking sector
• Ability to underwrite and structure complex ESOP transactions, including leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations
• Series 7 and 63 licenses or equivalent certifications in financial advisory

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with family-owned businesses and succession planning involving ESOPs
• Prior role in a major financial institution with expertise in capital markets and advisory solutions
• Familiarity with JP Morgan Chase's internal systems and commercial banking platforms
• Advanced certifications such as CFA or Certified ESOP Specialist (CESP)
• Demonstrated success in cross-selling banking products like treasury services and foreign exchange

Required Skills

• ESOP financing and valuation expertise
• Financial modeling and analysis
• Regulatory compliance knowledge (ERISA, IRS)
• Client relationship management
• Revenue generation and sales acumen
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Negotiation and deal structuring
• Strategic advisory consulting
• Cross-functional team collaboration
• Market research and trend analysis
• Presentation and communication skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Leadership and mentoring abilities
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., Bloomberg, Excel advanced functions)
• Adaptability to dynamic financial markets

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with generous company matching
• Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement for advanced education
• Employee stock purchase plan and access to JP Morgan's wealth management resources
• Wellness programs including gym memberships and mental health support
• Flexible work arrangements and relocation assistance for eligible roles

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.