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- Tasks: Lead M&A strategy and corporate development for a dynamic portfolio in the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join Harris, a leader in vertical market software acquisitions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and generous leave entitlements.
- Why this job: Drive impactful growth strategies and shape the future of innovative companies.
- Qualifications: 10 years in sales leadership or M&A, strong analytical skills, and team management experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement and exposure to senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ 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 the 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 the 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 optimize 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 decentralised, entrepreneurial environment empowering leaders to identify, acquire and grow businesses for the long term.
Whats On Offer
- A pivotal role within a high-growth, forward-thinking organisation.
- 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. Five 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 £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 employer: Harris
Contact Detail:
Harris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Corporate Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their M&A strategy, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in the past. Companies want to see that you can inspire and drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Harris.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Corporate Development
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
✨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 Harris Computer. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven inorganic growth in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Prepare examples of how you've coached high-performing teams in the past, set KPIs, and fostered a data-driven culture. This will show that you're not just a strategist but also a great leader.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in deep discussions about strategic planning and goal setting. Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and think about how you would approach market mapping and target identification. Bring insights on potential acquisition targets based on industry trends.
✨Master Salesforce
Since proficiency in Salesforce is essential, make sure you can talk about your experience using it for pipeline management and performance analytics. Be prepared to discuss how you've designed workflows or optimised processes in the past to improve efficiency.
