Associate, Corporate Development

Location: Preference for Toronto, but open to remote candidates (within Canada, US).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead generation & Develop M&A Pipeline: Proactively identify and source software companies that align with investment goals, building a robust pipeline.
• Outreach & Build Key Relationships: Lead outbound prospecting through strategic, targeted outreach; build rapport with business owners and senior leadership.
• Relationship Management & Trusted Partner: Nurture long‑term relationships with key decision‑makers, positioning Harris as the acquirer of choice.
• CRM Discipline: Maintain a disciplined pipeline in the CRM, track deal stages, forecast pipeline health, and document interactions.
• Transaction Support: Support M&A site visits and prospecting trips; coordinate due‑diligence requests and information flow while working closely with the M&A team.
• Acquisitions: Deliver transactions as the ultimate outcome of pipeline development and relationship work.

What We’re Looking For

• Business acumen with substantial hands‑on financial and business experience in fast‑paced, high‑performing environments.
• M&A experience: fluency in the M&A process, valuations, and exit strategies; experience engaging founders and senior executives.
• Exceptional relationship builder: skilled conversationalist with genuine curiosity, focused on owners’ stories, goals, and motivations.
• Natural, outgoing connector: comfortable reaching out, connecting, and fostering relationships with business owners.
• Highly efficient research and outreach skills: ability to profile, assess, and interpret a company and its leaders quickly and initiate tailored outreach.
• Intellectual curiosity: continuously observes, analyzes, and learns from each interaction to gain deeper insight.
• High achiever: hands‑on contributor with a track record of outstanding performance and a commitment to a high rate of meaningful connections.
• Financial literacy: ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers.
• Commitment: career history of ≥3 years with each employer.
• Advanced communication & interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional self‑drive, meticulous organization, and relentless execution of daily tasks.
• Extraordinary work ethic with a proactive sense of urgency.
• “Hunter” mentality: demonstrable success in cold outreach.
• Long‑term mindset: extensive, meaningful long‑term relationships in personal life.
• Travel: 10–20 % within Canada/USA for founder meetings and industry events.

Preferred Background

• K‑12 or higher‑education industry experience.
• SME investment sourcing/origination.
• Outbound SaaS sales.
• Investment banking or other investing roles.
• Growth/GTM experience (early‑stage, growth‑stage, or sponsor‑backed).

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Robust training and development, including mentorship from experienced M&A professionals and exposure to the full deal lifecycle.
• Career growth within an acquisitive, growth‑oriented, decentralized organization with long‑term advancement opportunities.

Pay

Target earnings $120,000 to $140,000 total compensation ($80,000–$100,000 base salary plus $40,000 variable).