Associate, Corporate Development

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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…