Business Development/ M&A Director BeLux

HR One; Vlaams-Brabant; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Variable incentive / performance-based

Hybrid work environment

Opportunity to shape European growth

Job summary

HR One is partnering with a fast-growing veterinary network to appoint a Business Development / M&A Director. You will own the BD&M process end to end, sourcing deals, building relationships with practices, and leading negotiations through closing.

You report to the CEO, sit on the management team, and present results to the Board. You bring a Master's in business or veterinary medicine, proven BD/M&A experience in veterinary settings, and strong negotiation and relationship skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a business-related field or veterinary medicine.
• Relevant experience in business development, M&A or a similar role within the veterinary sector, buy-and-build strategies or multi-site/franchise models.
• Ability to generate, approach and close targets through cold calling, meetings and events.
• Strong project management, negotiation skills and ability to coordinate founders, advisors and consultants.

Responsibilities

• Own the full Business Development and M&A process end to end, from sourcing to closing.
• Build relationships with veterinary practices to generate deal flow.
• Prepare financial analyses and business valuations.
• Lead negotiations and due diligence, coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Report strategy and results to the CEO and Board on a regular basis.

Skills

Deal sourcing

Negotiation

Relationship building

Project management

Communication

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Master's degree in business or veterinary medicine

Job description

Our client is a fast-growing network of veterinary practices, centers and clinics with a strong focus on professional service and outstanding care. Operating from more than 60 modern, fully equipped practices across Belgium (35+), Germany (30+) and Luxembourg (2), their vets and nurses are ready every day for pets of every shape, size and need.

Our client provides its practices with quality support in finance, operations, marketing, HR and IT, so that vets and their teams can focus fully on quality, innovation and patient care. Through a distinctive entrepreneurial model, the company continues to reshape the market and is firmly committed to pursuing further growth through acquisitions.

THE ROLE

As Business Development / M&A Director, you are the entrepreneurial dealmaker who spots new opportunities, builds and maintains relationships, and delivers successful acquisitions. You carry end-to-end responsibility for the entire Business Development and M&A process, from sourcing to closing.

You report directly to the CEO, sit on the management team, and present your strategy and results to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Own the full Business Development and M&A process end to end, from sourcing to closing
• Approach veterinary practices and build genuine relationships to generate sufficient dealflow
• Prepare financial analyses and business valuations
• Lead financial and contractual negotiations independently and carry out the necessary due diligence research
• Work closely with colleagues in HR, Finance and Operations, as well as the Board of Directors, throughout the acquisition process
• Report to the CEO, contribute as part of the management team, and present strategy and results to the Board on a regular basis

YOU BRING

• A Master's degree in a business-related field or in veterinary medicine
• Relevant experience in business development, M&A or a similar role within the veterinary sector, buy-and-build strategies, growth companies or multi-site/franchise business models
• A relentless drive to generate, approach and close targets and deals through cold calling, personal meetings, events and trade fairs
• Strong project management skills, with experience coordinating selling founders, advisors and consultants, and a top-tier negotiator
• A down-to-earth, authentic presence, an entrepreneurial mindset and strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to build a solid business plan (P&L, balance sheet, P&L projections); experience building business valuations is a strong asset
• Bilingual Dutch/French with a professional level of English

WHO YOU ARE

You are a natural dealmaker: ambitious, level-headed and authentic, with an entrepreneurial drive that shows in how you build relationships and get deals over the line. You are as comfortable presenting a business case to a Board as you are in a first conversation with a founder considering a sale.

You thrive in a hybrid environment with flexibility, short decision lines and flat hierarchies, and you hold yourself to a high standard in everything you deliver.

WHAT THE CLIENT OFFERS

• A challenging role in an environment where you make a real impact, with responsibility from day one and a key part to play in the further development of the company and the veterinary sector
• A culture built on entrepreneurship, respect and trust, with the freedom to shape your own work in a hybrid environment with flexibility, short decision lines, flat hierarchies and high performance standards
• Access to international structures and synergies as part of a strong European network
• A permanent contract with an attractive compensation package, including a variable success component
• A workplace with parking, right in the center of Leuven