Associate, Corporate Development

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

Responsibilities

• Lead generation & develop M&A pipeline: proactively identify and source software companies that align with investment goals.
• Outreach: initiate and build key relationships through strategic, targeted outbound prospecting.
• Relationship management: act as a trusted partner, nurturing long‑term relationships with decision‑makers and positioning Harris as the acquirer of choice.
• CRM discipline: maintain a disciplined pipeline in CRM, track deal stages, forecast health, and document interactions.
• Transaction support: support M&A site visits and prospecting trips; coordinate due‑diligence requests and information flow.
• Acquisitions: deliver transactions as the ultimate outcome of pipeline efforts.

Requirements

• Business acumen with substantial hands‑on financial and business experience in fast‑paced, high‑performing environments.
• Fluent understanding of the M&A process, valuations, and exit strategies; experience engaging founders and senior executives.
• Exceptional relationship builder: skilled conversationalist with genuine curiosity, strong listening skills, and ability to focus on owners’ stories, goals, and motivations.
• Natural, outgoing connector: comfortable reaching out, building rapport in casual interactions, and fostering relationships with business owners.
• Highly efficient research and outreach: quickly profile, assess, and interpret companies and leaders, then initiate tailored outreach.
• Intellectual curiosity: continuously observe, analyze, and learn from each interaction to deepen insight.
• High achiever: proven track record of outstanding performance, committed to a high rate of meaningful connections, patient, persistent, and resourceful.
• 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 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.

Desired Experience

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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.
• Opportunity to grow long‑term within the company.

Pay

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