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.

About Harris

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

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.
• Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key decision-makers, building credibility and positioning Harris as the acquirer of choice.
• Manage a disciplined pipeline in CRM; disciplined & relentless activities cadence, track deal stages, forecast pipeline health and driven to throughout document interactions
• 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.
• Deliver transactions, the ultimate outcome of your efforts.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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
• 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 “Hunter” mentality: demonstrable success in cold outreach

Preferred

• Committed to achieving a high rate of meaningful connections.

Benefits

extensive meaningful long-term relationships in personal life

• 10–20% within Canada/USA for founder meetings and industry events.
• 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

Location

Location: Preference for Toronto or Ottawa, hybrid in-office role.

What are we looking for?

A high achiever

A hands-on contributor with a track record of outstanding performance.

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.

Initiating relationships, maintaining relationships, and ultimately being considered and chosen to be acquired by 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)