Business Development Manager

Job Description

We are working exclusively with a well-capitalized technology investment group to identify a Business Development Manager for their corporate development team. The group partners with established, owner-led software companies and has built a sizeable portfolio through direct relationships with founders rather than auctions.

This is not a sales role, and it is not a desk-based analyst seat. The person stepping into this role will be the first point of contact between the group and the owners it wants to partner with. You will decide who is worth calling, figure out how to get their attention, and keep those relationships warm until the timing is right, which may be months or years away. You will work closely with the deal team, who take over once a conversation turns serious.

Key Responsibilities

• Research sectors and build a working list of privately held software companies worth approaching
• Reach out directly to founders and CEOs by phone, email, LinkedIn and in person at industry events
• Hold first conversations with owners to understand their business, their goals and whether a partnership makes sense
• Stay in regular contact with owners who are not ready today but may be in the future
• Assess early-stage opportunities on product, customers, ownership and growth before passing them to the deal team
• Share what you are hearing in the market to help leadership decide where to focus
• Keep contact history and pipeline activity up to date in the CRM
• Work toward monthly and quarterly outreach and pipeline targets

What We're Looking For

• A background in deal sourcing, corporate development, private equity, investment banking or a similar relationship-driven role
• Proven experience starting conversations with business owners and senior executives who did not come to you first
• Several years of business development experience, including meaningful time spent sourcing transactions
• Interest in how software businesses are built and valued, and the ability to learn a new sector quickly
• Clear, confident writing and a phone manner that holds up with experienced founders
• Persistence over long sales cycles, paired with day-to-day discipline on activity
• CRM or sales engagement tool experience is an asset
• University degree, business or finance preferred

What's Offered

• Competitive base salary with uncapped variable compensation and equity participation
• Full benefits
• Hybrid work arrangement in the GTA
• Direct exposure to senior deal leadership and company founders from day one

Next Steps

Only candidates selected for the next stage will be contacted.

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process.