M&A Business Development Senior Associate

Mergers & Acquisitions:
Business Development Senior Associate

70% of small and mid-sized businesses will change hands in the next 2-10 years. 65% of Private Equity portfolios rely on add-on strategies. These two market dynamics are driving significant demand and deal volume for middle-market M&A transactions.

Named the best mid-market M&A firm in the Southeast in , Align is a trusted brand in helping lower-middle-market businesses and investors facilitate buy or sell transactions. Our firm is growing rapidly and seeks ambitious business development professionals to join our team! This role allows ambitious and successful professionals the ability to achieve high earnings while having significant work/life flexibility.

Business Development, is responsible for building a foundational referral partner book within an assigned market, under the active guidance of leadership. This role is focused on learning the discipline, developing fluency in the firm's offering, and generating qualified referral opportunities that feed the firm's engagement pipeline. It is also focused on strengthening market presence and accelerating deal flow generation through high activity, networking, and strong communication that drives measurable outcomes.

Energy, activity, and coachability are the primary inputs at this level as the individual ramps toward independent production. This role is the foundational level of Align's unified Business Development ladder.

Headquartered in the Orlando, Florida area, Align serves clients nationwide and supports a flexible, primarily remote work environment across multiple states. This role, while primarily remote, is based out of Orlando, Florida with frequent local travel to support client and team needs.

All Alignemployeesmust have reliable transportation andmaybe expected to travel as part of their roles, with frequency depending on role-specific requirements.

• Develop a starter book of referral partners within an assigned market, building relationships withkey partner contacts.
• Work closely with the assigned Director on partner outreach strategy, meeting preparation, and follow-through.
• Support the Director in key partner meetings, particularly with newer relationships or higher-value contacts, building toward independent ownership over time.

• Generate qualified referral opportunities and perform initial qualifications of prospects to ensure alignment with the firm's target market and ideal customer profile.
• Maintain accurate and timely activity and pipeline updates in Deal Cloud.
• Observe the client lifecycle post-engagement letter, building awareness of the fulfillment process and deal economics, with limited direct post-EL client involvement at this level.

• Represent the firm at networking events, referral partner meetings, and speaking or panel opportunities to build market presence.
• Build fluency in the firm's offering, including the fulfillment process, deal economics, and what constitutes a strong opportunity.
• Maintain consistent brand and knowledge alignment by reviewing current marketing materials, tear decks, and firm content.
• Support the firm by performing other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Experience in business development, sales, or a channel/referral partner environment, preferably within financial, legal, or professional services.
• Experience with CRM systems (Deal Cloud preferred).
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Strong written and…