Director, Corporate Development

Harris Computer; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company is seeking a strategic Director of Corporate Development for its UK operations. This pivotal, remote role involves leading M&A strategy, managing corporate development resources, and driving a portfolio-wide growth agenda. Responsibilities include guiding strategic planning, executing outreach to acquisition targets, and fostering high-performance teams. Candidates should have 10+ years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in Salesforce. Competitive remuneration and career advancement opportunities await in this dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Performance-related bonus

Annual Lifestyle Reward of £325

25 days holiday plus 5 personal days

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Sales leadership or M&A.
• Ability to design deal-sourcing strategies.
• Experience in building high-performing teams.
• Analytical mindset for assessing opportunities.
• Willingness to travel regionally (25–30%).

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate development strategic planning and execution.
• Guide deal sourcing process and outreach strategies.
• Oversee M&A function and drive acquisition strategy.
• Collaborate with executive teams on strategic goals.

Skills

Sales leadership

M&A strategies

Team leadership

Financial modeling

Salesforce proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

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 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 the 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. Prioritize 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 prioritize opportunities.

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 employee 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 offer 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 £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.