[Hiring] Associate, Corporate Development @Harris Computer

Role 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.

Qualifications

• Substantial hands-on financial and business experience in fast-paced, high-performing work environments.
• Fluent in discussing the M&A process, valuations, and exiting a business. Experienced in engaging with founders and senior executives.
• 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.
• Naturally engages with people in everyday life, effortlessly building rapport in casual interactions. Comfortable reaching out, connecting, and fostering relationships with business owners.
• A quick study who can profile, assess, and interpret a company and its leaders within minutes, then confidently initiate tailored outreach.
• Continuously observes, analyzes, and learns from each interaction, building on past experiences to gain deeper insight.
• 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.

Requirements

• Financial literacy: ability to interpret financial statements and discuss basic valuation drivers.
• Committed: Career history of working at employers >3+ years.
• Advanced communication & interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional self drive, meticulous organization, relentless execution of daily tasks.
• Extraordinary work ethic, proactive with a sense of urgency.
• Demonstrable success in cold outreach.
• Extensive meaningful long-term relationships in personal life.
• 10–20% travel within Canada/USA for founder meetings and industry events.

Benefits

• 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.