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: ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers
• Committed:  Career history of working at employers >3+ years
• 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: 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.

Long Term Mindset

Relationships will be formed with decision makers (i.e. CEOs/VPs of Corporate Development, founders/owners) of software companies globally, M&A advisors, and private equity/venture capital professionals.  Success is defined by building and maintaining meaningful relationships, having clients sign LOI’s, and ultimately, the acquisition of software companies/assets by Harris/Constellation. 

Initiating relationships, maintaining relationships, and ultimately being considered and chosen to be acquired by Harris/Constellation typically takes multiple years

Who are we looking for?

We don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” profile for this position, but are particularly excited to speak with candidates who have progressive experience in one or a combination of the following functions:

• •   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)
   

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 | ability to grow within an organization over the long term
   

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