Sr. Corporate Development Associate

Harris Computer; Illinois; On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris Computer, a Constellation Software company, seeks an experienced Senior Corporate Development Associate to build and advance a strong pipeline of vertical-market software investments. You will identify opportunities, build trusted relationships with founders and execs, and work with the M&A team through evaluation, offers, and closing.

The role is highly autonomous, reporting to the Portfolio Leader, and based in the United States or Canada with travel to target meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in corporate development, private equity, investment banking or related field.
• Proven ability to source and advance acquisition opportunities.
• Experience engaging credibly with founders, owners and executives.
• Experience with vertical-market software or understanding specialized software markets.
• Ability to apply AI responsibly to research, sourcing and workflow.

Responsibilities

• Build the investment pipeline by identifying vertical-market software opportunities.
• Develop trusted relationships with founders, owners and senior executives.
• Advance investments with the M&A execution team through evaluation, offers and closing.
• Raise team capability by sharing feedback and mentoring colleagues.
• Improve workflows using AI-enabled tools and maintain strong CRM discipline.

Skills

Sourcing & origination

Relationship building

AI fluency

Communication

Travel willingness

Tools

CRM systems

AI tools

Job description

Harris Computer, a Constellation Software (CSU.TSX) company, is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Senior Corporate Development Associate to build and advance a pipeline of high‑quality vertical‑market software investment opportunities.

You will identify and assess prospective investments, build trusted relationships with founders and senior executives, and work directly with senior leadership to advance the strongest opportunities. You will partner with the M&A execution team as opportunities progress through evaluation, offers, and closing.

This is a highly autonomous role for a commercially‑minded professional with strong sourcing instincts, sound investment judgment, curiosity, and energy. You will also be a trusted resource to the broader team, leading by example and helping colleagues strengthen their sourcing and investment capabilities.

This role reports directly to the Portfolio Leader and is based in the United States or Canada, with travel to meet prospective acquisition targets alongside senior leadership and team members.

What Will Be Your Impact

• Build the Investment Pipeline: Proactively identify vertical‑market software businesses that align with our investment goals. Research markets, assess strategic fit and investment potential, and prioritize the opportunities that merit further investment.
• Build Relationships That Matter: Develop trusted, long‑term relationships with founders, owners, and senior executives. Understand their businesses, goals, and motivations, and position Harris as the right long‑term home for their companies.
• Advance Investments: Work with senior leadership and the M&A execution team to move the strongest opportunities through evaluation, offers, and closing.
• Raise Team Capability: Work alongside colleagues on research, outreach, calls, meetings, and opportunity evaluation. Share practical feedback and lead by example to strengthen sourcing, prioritization, and investment judgment.
• Improve How We Work: Use AI‑enabled tools thoughtfully to improve market mapping, target research, prospecting, prioritization, and workflow efficiency. Maintain strong CRM discipline so the team has a clear view of activity, learning, and progress.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience in corporate development, private equity, investment banking, strategic acquisitions, or a closely related environment.
• Sourcing and Investment Judgment: Demonstrated success sourcing, qualifying, and advancing acquisition opportunities - not simply supporting transaction execution.
• Relationship Building: Experience engaging credibly with founders, owners, and senior executives through research-driven, relationship-oriented origination.
• Software Perspective: Experience with vertical-market software or a strong ability to understand specialized software businesses and their markets.
• Practical AI Fluency: A clear point of view on applying AI responsibly to research, sourcing, prioritization, and workflow improvement.
• Working Style: Intellectual curiosity, initiative, sound judgment, clear communication, and the energy to pursue opportunities persistently and thoughtfully.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel within the United States and Canada.
• Salary range: $100,000 - $120,000 USD per year + commission structure.

About Harris

Harris is an operating group of Constellation Software Inc. (CSU.TSX), one of the most active acquirers of software businesses globally. Harris acquires vertical‑market software businesses and holds them permanently, providing a durable future for customers and employees. With more than 280 software acquisitions across over 20 software sectors and more than 15,000 team members, Harris offers a enduring organization for long‑term investment and growth.