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: Location: Preference for Toronto or Ottawa, hybrid in-office role.
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 andmaintainingmeaningful relationships, having clients sign LOI’s,and ultimately, theacquisition of software companies/assets by Harris/Constellation.
Initiating relationships,maintainingrelationships, andultimately beingconsidered and chosen to beacquiredby 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
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Associate, Corporate Development in Ottawa employer: Harris
At Harris, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that combines the stability of a national company with the vibrant culture of a local business. As a Human Capital Systems Manager, you'll not only lead a dedicated team but also enjoy comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental coverage, a 401K plan with company match, and generous vacation time. Our commitment to employee growth and collaboration ensures that you will thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact across diverse projects.
