Associate, Corporate Development

Job Description

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.

In this role, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a prolific acquirer and learn from the highly successful acquisition culture of Constellation Software.

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 our investment goals, using initiative to build a robust pipeline


* Outreach | Initiate and Build Key Relationships: Lead outbound prospecting through strategic, targeted outreach.

You will build rapport with business owners and senior leadership, establishing strong professional connections.


* 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; disciplined & relentless activities cadence, track deal stages, forecast pipeline health and driven to throughout 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.

What are we looking for?



* 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.


* An exceptional relationship builder:  A skilled conversationalist with genuine curiosity about others and a knack for listening.

Builds trust by focusing on the business owner's stories, goals, and motivations rather than their own.


* A natural, outgoing connector: Naturally engages with people in everyday life, effortlessly building rapport in casual interactions.

Comfortable reaching out, connecting, and fostering relationships with business owners.


* Highly efficient research and outreach skills: A quick study who can profile, assess, and interpret a company and its leaders within minutes, then confidently initiate tailored outreach.


* Intellectual curiosity: Continuously observes, analyzes, and learns from each interaction, building on past experiences to gain deeper insight.


* A high achiever: A hands-on contributor with a track record of outstanding performance.

Committed to achieving a high rate of meaningful connections.

Patiently persistent and resourceful, using thoughtful and creative approaches to engage business owners.

Non-Negotiables



* Financial literacy:...