Head of M&A

About the role

The Head of M&A is a critical executive role responsible for architecting and scaling Harbor’s inorganic growth engine. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will own end-to-end M&A performance—from origination through integration—while serving as a trusted partner to Harbor’s Board and financial sponsors. Success in this role requires strategic vision, disciplined execution, and the credibility to lead complex transactions in a high-growth, PE-backed professional services environment.

Areas of expertise

Enterprise Operations

What You’ll Do

• Define and Drive M&A Strategy
• Architect and continuously evolve Harbor’s M&A strategy, encompassing deal origination, execution, and integration
• Align Harbor’s M&A strategy with the company’s 2030 strategic roadmap
• Partner with practice group leaders to build out Harbor capabilities consistent with long-run strategic objectives
• Report directly to the CEO, work collaboratively with Harbor’s financial sponsors, and present to Harbor’s Board of Directors
• Shape Inorganic Growth Thesis
• Define priority targets across: Legal tech implementation & managed services (core), Corporate legal + ALSP expansion, Data / AI / analytics capabilities, Adjacent professional services verticals, Evaluate build vs. buy vs. partner
• Own target archetypes and “deal thesis library”
• Own Inorganic Growth Outcomes (Execution + Integration)
• Set and deliver performance targets across pipeline generation, LOIs signed, EBITDA acquired, entry valuation, and post-close performance
• Acquire ~$8M+ EBITDA annually through M&A
• Drive mix of deals across tuck-ins (~$2M EBITDA), mid-sized opportunities (~$5M EBITDA), and more transformational opportunities
• Serve as the executive owner of post-close integration, setting integration strategy, governance, and success metrics while partnering with functional and practice leaders to ensure operational, cultural, and financial objectives are achieved
• Build a repeatable integration playbook (aligned with prior success integrating multiple acquisitions)
• Ensure post-close revenue and EBITDA meet or exceed underwriting case within 12–24 months
• Lead the M&A Organization
• Build and scale a best-in-class corporate development function
• Define org structure across: Origination, Deal execution, Integration
• Partner with financial sponsors on resourcing strategy and capability build-out
• Manage a high-performing team with responsibility for the full deal lifecycle
• Foster collaboration across the broader Harbor organization
• Develop a Relationship Ecosystem
• Position Harbor as “buyer of choice” in the legal services ecosystem
• Build and own relationships with key intermediaries, business brokers, and investment bankers
• Proprietary deal flow across: Founder-owned firms, Sponsor-backed platforms, Strategic divestitures
• Win the “hearts and minds” of the management teams of potential targets
• Attend and present at industry conferences, serving as an ambassador of Harbor
• Represent M&A in the C-Suite
• Act as the voice of the market and target management teams in executive forums
• Contribute to corporate strategy, investor alignment, and service line and/or geographic expansion

What You Can Expect From Us

• Strategic Leadership Role – Shape the future of Harbor’s growth strategy and M&A engine
• Compelling Compensation – Alignment with value creation outcomes combined with strong equity participation
• Collaborative Executive Team – Work alongside experienced leaders across Strategy, Operations, Delivery, and Finance
• Flexible Work Environment – Remote-first, with offices in Chicago and London
• Comprehensive Benefits – Competitive compensation, equity, unlimited PTO, and professional growth support
• Inclusive Community – Join a culture built on integrity, innovation, and shared success

About Us

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 900+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.