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

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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

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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.

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Relationship Management | Trusted Partner: Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key decision-makers, building credibility and positioning Harris as the acquirer of choice.

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CRM Discipline: Manage a disciplined pipeline in CRM; disciplined & relentless activities cadence, track deal stages, forecast pipeline health and driven to throughout document interactions

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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.

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Acquisitions: Deliver transactions, the ultimate outcome of your efforts.

What are we looking for?

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Business acumen: Substantial hands-on financial and business experience in fast-paced, high-performing, work environments.

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M&A experience: Fluent in discussing the M&A process, valuations, and exiting a business. Experienced in engaging with founders and senior executives.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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

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Financial literacy : ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers

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Committed : Career history of working at employers >3+ years

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Communication : Advanced communication & interpersonal skills

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Discipline: Exceptional self drive, meticulous organization, relentless execution of daily tasks

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Urgency: Extraordinary work ethic, proactive with a sense of urgency

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“Hunter” mentality: demonstrable success in cold outreach

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Long Term Mindset: extensive meaningful long-term relationships in personal life

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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.

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