Overview:

The Executive Associate Program is designed for 2nd year MBA students who seek to accelerate their career within M&T Bank. Program hires will undergo an immersive leadership experience designed to develop leadership competencies and strategic capabilities. Throughout the first year, the incoming cohort will be introduced to Program alumni, Bank-wide leadership, and collaborate with peers to drive change to support the vision and goals of the Bank. 

The Executive Associate is a high-impact leadership development role designed for MBA graduates who are motivated by complex business challenges, enterprise-wide collaboration, and the opportunity to influence meaningful change. Working closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders, the Associate will support strategic initiatives that advance the Bank's priorities related to Teaming for Growth and Operational Excellence.

This role offers broad exposure across the organization and is ideal for individuals who thrive in ambiguous environments, enjoy solving complex problems, and are energized by opportunities to drive innovation, improve business performance, and influence outcomes across multiple teams. Executive Associates are expected to contribute immediately through strategic analysis, project leadership, executive communication, and cross-functional partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to support enterprise and business-line strategic initiatives that drive growth, efficiency, customer value, and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders, balancing competing priorities while driving execution and results.
• Analyze business, financial, customer, operational, and market data to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and recommendations for leadership.
• Develop executive-level presentations, briefing materials, business cases, and strategic recommendations to support decision-making.
• Conduct research on emerging industry trends, competitive dynamics, customer behaviors, and innovation opportunities.
• Facilitate working sessions, governance forums, and stakeholder discussions to align priorities and advance strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve execution, and enhance operational performance across the organization.
• Support initiatives that require collaboration across functions, helping teams navigate ambiguity, solve problems, and achieve shared outcomes.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and participate in discussions that shape business strategy and execution.

Areas of Exposure

• Enterprise Strategy
• Business Transformation
• Operational Excellence
• Innovation & Process Improvement
• Customer & Market Insights
• Financial & Business Performance Analysis
• Executive Communications
• Change Management
• Cross-Functional Project Leadership
• Senior Leadership Engagement

Scope of Responsibilities:

Complete project/management related assignments in field of expertise within the Executive Associate Program.  

Supervisory/ Managerial Responsibilities:

None

Education and Experience Required:

Completed MBA from an accredited business school.
 

Minimum of  3 years’ professional work experience

Demonstrated leadership potential, as evidenced through previous work experience, extracurricular activities, or community involvement
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Strong analytical skills

Strong problem-solving skills to think strategically and critically analyze complex business challenges
Strong project management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines
Work visa sponsorship not offered for this role

Location