At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M&A strategy and corporate development for a dynamic portfolio in healthcare, utilities, and more.
- Company: Join Harris Computer, a leader in vertical market software acquisitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, and 30+ days of leave including personal days.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive recruitment process.
- Why this job: Shape the future of businesses while working with senior leaders in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in sales leadership or M&A, strong analytical skills, and team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Harris Computer are currently recruiting for a Director, Corporate Development, on a permanent, full-time, remote working basis in the UK. We are seeking a strategic director to serve as the leader of M&A Strategy and Corporate Development for the UK and Ireland segment of the International Group portfolio, which currently includes portfolio companies operating in the healthcare, utilities, government, public safety and education industries. This role goes beyond management of traditional M&A business development. You will drive portfolio-wide inorganic growth strategy and execution, manage corporate development resources, and administer acquisition projects that shape long-term value creation across the organization.
Reporting directly to Portfolio Manager of the International Group, you will act as a key strategic advisor and operational partner, driving the growth agenda and acquisition strategy at the portfolio leadership table. You will be a trusted partner of the Portfolio Leader, developing inorganic growth strategies that build the portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee the M&A function for one of Harris’s largest portfolios. You will help drive acquisitions by ensuring the portfolio’s corporate development function is resourced, managed, and reported on in an efficient, scalable, and repeatable manner. Additionally, this role will be responsible for driving the larger acquisition strategy and funnel.
If you have a proven track record in managing sales teams, M&A business development leadership, strong work ethic, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact effectively with owners/operators of companies we acquire and internal business leaders, we are looking for you.
What You Will Do
- M&A Growth Strategy & Planning: Guide the UK & Ireland Corporate Development strategic planning, goal setting, and performance tracking. Determine preferred market segments for capital deployment in our core verticals. Conduct in-person meetings with high value acquisition targets.
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead, coach, and develop a team of Corporate Development resources. Foster a high-performance, data-driven culture across the CD function. Set clear KPIs and performance goals for sourcing activity and engagement. Provide insights and recommendations on target companies based on industry trends, product fit, and business performance. Partner with Corporate Development, Strategy, and International Group Executive teams and Business Units to align sourcing efforts with strategic goals. Support the transition of qualified targets to M&A Execution team and the capital review Board for evaluation and execution.
- Execution & Operational Excellence: Own the deal sourcing process: market mapping, target identification, and qualification. Guide the team in executing effective outreach strategies to engage potential acquisition targets. Prioritise outreach based on strategic fit, market dynamics, and growth potential. Design, implement, and optimise workflows in Salesforce to manage pipeline activity, reporting, and follow-ups. Build scalable processes to track sourcing progress, outreach effectiveness, and conversion rate.
What We Are Looking For
- 10+ years of progressive experience in Sales leadership, M&A, or corporate development, preferably within software or technology.
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute deal-sourcing strategies that lead to measurable growth.
- Proven success in building and leading high-performing teams.
- Analytical and financial modelling skills are a plus.
- Proficiency in Salesforce or CRM for pipeline management and performance analytics.
- Undergraduate degree required, advanced degree preferred.
- Willingness to travel regionally (approximately 25–30%).
- Experience using Salesforce to manage CD operations is essential, as is a strong analytical mindset to assess potential fit and prioritise opportunities.
This is a highly collaborative role that sits at the intersection of strategy, operations, and business development.
About Harris
Harris is the largest operating group of Constellation Software, the most effective acquirer of software businesses globally. Harris acquires vertical market software businesses, manages them using industry best practices, and builds them for the future. Through acquisitions, Harris has grown extensively from its roots in the utilities, local government, education, and healthcare sectors. We have completed over 170 software acquisitions in 20+ software sectors, have 190+ offices globally and employ over 10,000 team members within Harris companies.
Why Join Harris / Constellation Software
Harris is part of Constellation Software Inc., one of the world’s most successful acquirers of vertical market software companies. We operate in a decentralized, entrepreneurial environment, empowering leaders to identify, acquire, and grow businesses for the long term.
What's On Offer
- A pivotal role within a high-growth, forward-thinking organization.
- Exposure to senior leadership and executive-level decision-making.
- Competitive remuneration package, performance-related bonus, and benefits.
- Opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Benefits
Harris offers an extremely competitive UK employee benefits programme. 5 Personal Days leave entitlement are granted over and above the standard 25 days holiday and bank holidays. Harris also offers all UK employees an annual Lifestyle Reward amounting to £325 per annum/pro rata.
Supporting your application
Our recruitment process will comprise of interviews and, at times, a written exercise, an assessment day and/or a presentation. As an equal opportunities employer, we want to make sure we do all we can to make this a positive experience for you. If your application is progressed, please make us aware of any adjustments or additional support we can provide you with.
Director, Corporate Development in Slough employer: Harris Computer
Harris Computer is an exceptional employer, offering a pivotal role in a high-growth, forward-thinking organisation that values strategic leadership and innovation. With a competitive remuneration package, generous benefits including additional personal leave, and a strong focus on employee development, Harris fosters a collaborative work culture that empowers its leaders to drive meaningful growth. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact the future of vertical market software businesses across diverse sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Corporate Development in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Harris and its portfolio companies. Understand their M&A strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for corporate development and how you can drive growth. Make it engaging and memorable—this is your chance to shine and stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Corporate Development in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director, Corporate Development role. Highlight your M&A experience and leadership skills, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive growth in corporate development.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to inform decisions in past roles. This will show us that you can handle the analytical demands of the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Computer
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your M&A strategies and corporate development knowledge. Understand the key trends in the healthcare, utilities, and education sectors, as these are crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven inorganic growth in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare examples of how you've led teams to success. Think about specific KPIs you've set and how you fostered a high-performance culture. Be ready to share how you’ve coached team members and developed their skills.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Since analytical skills are a plus, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform your decisions. Discuss any financial modelling you've done and how it impacted your previous roles. Familiarity with Salesforce will also be a big advantage, so highlight your experience with it.
✨Engage with Strategic Thinking
This position is all about strategic planning and execution. Be ready to talk about how you've aligned sourcing efforts with broader business goals. Prepare to discuss your approach to market mapping and target identification, and how you prioritise outreach based on strategic fit.
