Vice President, Corporate Development

Commerce Decisions Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software company is seeking a Vice President of Corporate Development to drive acquisition strategy and execution. This senior role involves strategic leadership and relationship management across Europe, requiring fluency in English and German and a willingness to travel extensively. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in Corporate Development or related fields and possesses strong analytical and interpersonal skills. This role offers the opportunity to shape the company's international growth strategy within a decentralized, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Corporate Development, M&A, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in full-cycle transaction execution.
• Proven ability to develop strong networks in the investment community.

Responsibilities

• Lead Corporate Development strategy for acquisitions.
• Build and sustain networks with industry professionals.
• Lead transactions from initial contact to closing.

Skills

Fluent in English and German

Strong analytical mindset

Excellent interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Education

MBA, CPA or equivalent

Tools

CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce)

Job description

Vice President, Corporate Development

Harris International Group

United Kingdom or Germany – Full Time – Remote with Extensive Travel

Position Overview

Harris continues to expand its portfolio of vertical market software companies across EMEA and India. We are seeking a Vice President, Corporate Development to lead our capital deployment strategy and execution for the Harris International Group portfolio.

This senior role combines strategic leadership, relationship management, and transaction execution. You will drive the sourcing, evaluation, and acquisition of software companies that fit our long-term investment philosophy and portfolio vision. Reporting directly to the Portfolio Leader, International Group, you will serve as a trusted partner in shaping and executing Harris’ international growth strategy.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, enjoys building long‑term relationships with company founders, bankers, brokers and advisors, and brings both the analytical and interpersonal skills required to close complex transactions.

Given our expanding European footprint, fluency in English and German is essential. The position requires regular travel (30–50%) across Europe and other regions to meet with business owners, portfolio group management teams, and advisors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Capital Deployment

• Lead the Corporate Development strategy for the Harris International portfolio, identifying priority markets, verticals, and regions for acquisition‑driven growth.
• Partner with the Portfolio Leader and senior executives to define capital deployment goals, portfolio targets, and long‑term value creation strategies.
• Represent the portfolio’s Corporate Development function at the leadership table and within Harris’ global community.
• Manage resources across the capital deployment teams.
• Provider leadership and mentorship with the aim of developing an existing team of corporate development resources

Origination & Relationship Development

• Build and sustain strong networks with investment bankers, brokers, advisors, private investors, and software company founders across Europe and beyond.
• Proactively identify and source acquisition opportunities through direct outreach, industry events, and strategic relationship development.
• Represent Harris and Constellation professionally in all market interactions, promoting our reputation as a long‑term, responsible acquirer of mission‑critical software businesses.
• Maintain a high‑quality, proprietary deal pipeline through disciplined sourcing, follow‑up, and relationship management.

Transaction Leadership & Execution

• Lead transactions end‑to‑end, from initial contact and strategic fit assessment through valuation, negotiation, due diligence, and closing.
• Coordinate internal and external teams—finance, legal, operations, and portfolio leadership—to ensure seamless execution.
• Present on opportunities and manage internal investment approval processes.
• Oversee post‑acquisition handovers and support integration planning to ensure smooth transitions and long‑term success.

Market Insight & Data‑Driven Decision Making

• Monitor vertical software market trends, M&A dynamics, and competitive activity to identify emerging opportunities.
• Utilize CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) to manage pipeline activity, measure performance, and report on sourcing and acquisition metrics.
• Apply rigorous financial modelling and data‑driven analysis to evaluate targets, assess returns, and ensure disciplined capital deployment.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Corporate Development professionals, fostering a high‑performance, analytical, and relationship‑driven culture.
• Establish clear KPIs and performance metrics for sourcing, outreach effectiveness, and conversion rates.
• Collaborate across Corporate Development, Strategy, and Operations to ensure cohesive execution of the capital deployment agenda.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Private Equity, Investment Banking, or related fields, ideally within the software or technology sector.
• Demonstrated success in both deal origination and full‑cycle transaction execution across multiple geographies.
• Deep understanding of valuation, financial modelling, and commercial due diligence in a software context.
• Proven ability to develop strong networks across the investment and advisory community.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with executive presence and credibility.
• Fluent in English and German (both written and spoken); additional European languages are an asset.
• Strong analytical mindset with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making.
• MBA, CPA or equivalent considered an asset.
• Willingness to travel extensively (30–50%) across Europe and internationally.

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.

As VP of Corporate Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Harris’ International growth, combining strategic leadership with hands‑on dealmaking in an organization built on autonomy, discipline, and long‑term value creation.