Head of M&A / Corporate Development

Yorktown Search Partners; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A confidential executive search firm is looking for a Head of M&A / Corporate Development in Toronto. This strategic role involves owning the full M&A lifecycle and driving acquisitions for a firm in the media and consumer sectors. Candidates should have 3-5 years of relevant experience, outstanding financial modeling skills, and the ability to work independently. The compensation package is competitive and includes performance bonuses.

Benefits

Deferred performance-linked incentives

Equity participation

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, or growth equity.
• Expertise in financial modeling, deal structuring, and transaction execution.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and commercially astute.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and build a pipeline of proprietary acquisition opportunities.
• Lead financial modeling, forecasting, and valuation analyses.
• Manage full diligence processes across financial, operational, tax, and legal areas.

Skills

Financial modeling

Deal structuring

Transaction execution

Market intelligence research

KPI monitoring

Job description

About the job Head of M&A / Corporate Development

Position Title: Head of M&A / Corporate Development
Location: Toronto / Ottawa / Hybrid
Reports To: Managing Director
Compensation: Deferred competitive salary with performance-linked incentives and equity participation
Search Mandate: Yorktown Search Partners is conducting a confidential executive search on behalf of a private client in the media and consumer investment space.

Role Overview

Yorktown Search Partners has been retained to identify a high-performing Head of M&A / Corporate Development for a confidential client-an emerging investment platform focused on acquiring and scaling media and consumer-facing brands. This role is central to the firms growth strategy, driving the execution of acquisitions from sourcing through closing and post-deal integration.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, analytical, and execution-oriented professional to work directly with the leadership team, taking ownership of the full M&A lifecycle while influencing portfolio design and capital deployment strategy. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments and is driven by long-term value creation.

Compensation includes a market-aligned deferred salary, with upside through equity participation and performance-based incentives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and build a pipeline of proprietary acquisition opportunities in media, consumer, and adjacent categories
• Cultivate strategic relationships with founders, intermediaries, brokers, and other deal sources
• Conduct market intelligence research and identify whitespace opportunities

Financial Analysis & Valuation

• Lead financial modeling, forecasting, and valuation analyses including DCF, precedent transactions, and comparable company analysis
• Analyze operational metrics and business fundamentals across potential targets
• Manage full diligence processes across financial, operational, tax, and legal areas
• Coordinate third-party advisors, data rooms, and closing timelines
• Prepare investment memos and lead presentations to the investment committee
• Track post-acquisition performance, assist with integration strategy, and support ongoing portfolio value creation
• Evaluate bolt-on opportunities and contribute to strategic portfolio expansion initiatives
• Monitor KPIs and benchmark portfolio companies against industry trends

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 3-5 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, or growth equity
• Expertise in financial modeling, deal structuring, and transaction execution
• Experience managing live deals and working across cross-functional teams
• Entrepreneurial and adaptable, with the ability to operate independently
• Interest or experience in consumer brands, digital media, or tech-enabled businesses is preferred
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and commercially astute

Compensation & Incentive Model

This is a strategic principal-track role offering a deferred, market-competitive salary along with long-term performance incentives. The compensation package includes:

• Deferred base salary, structured in alignment with platform cash flow and performance milestones
• Participation in firm equity and carried interest pools
• Access to performance-based transaction bonuses and long-term incentive programs

Full compensation terms will be shared during the interview process with shortlisted candidates.