Associate, Corporate Development

About the role

Harris is looking for a Corporate Development Associate responsible for proactively researching, engaging and developing potential acquisition targets for a high-velocity M&A organization. Preference for Toronto, but open to remote candidates within Canada and the US.

Responsibilities

• Lead generation | Develop M&A Pipeline: Proactively identify and source software companies that align with investment goals, using initiative to build a robust pipeline.
• Outreach | Initiate and Build Key Relationships: Lead outbound prospecting through strategic, targeted outreach; build rapport with business owners and senior leadership.
• Relationship Management | Trusted Partner: Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key decision‑makers, building credibility and positioning Harris as the acquirer of choice.
• CRM Discipline: Manage a disciplined pipeline in CRM; maintain disciplined & relentless activities cadence, 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; work closely with M&A team up to due diligence.
• Acquisitions: Deliver transactions, the ultimate outcome of your efforts.

Requirements

• Business acumen: Substantial hands‑on financial and business experience in fast‑paced, high‑performing work environments.
• M&A experience: Fluent in discussing the M&A process, valuations, and exiting a business; experienced in engaging with founders and senior executives.
• Financial literacy: Ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers.
• Communication: Advanced communication & interpersonal skills.
• Discipline: Exceptional self‑drive, meticulous organization, relentless execution of daily tasks.
• Urgency: Extraordinary work ethic, proactive with a sense of urgency.
• “Hunter” mentality: Demonstrated success in cold outreach.
• Committed: Career history of working at employers >3+ years.

Qualifications

• Progressive experience in one or a combination of the following: K‑12 or Higher Education industry background; SME Investment sourcing/origination; Outbound SaaS sales; Investment banking or other investing roles; Growth/GTM (early/growth stage or sponsor‑backed).

Skills

• Relationship building: Skilled conversationalist with genuine curiosity, listening, and trust‑building.
• Natural outgoing connector: Comfortable reaching out, connecting, and fostering relationships with business owners.
• Highly efficient research and outreach: Quick study able to profile, assess, and interpret a company and its leaders within minutes, then initiate tailored outreach.
• Intellectual curiosity: Continuously observes, analyzes, and learns from each interaction.
• High achiever: Track record of outstanding performance, committed to achieving a high rate of meaningful connections; patiently persistent and resourceful.

Benefits

• 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; ability to grow long‑term.

Pay

Salary: Target earnings $120,000 to $140,000 | $80,000 - $100,000 base + variable of $40,000.

Schedule

Travel: 10–20% within Canada/USA for founder meetings and industry events.