Our established software client is seeking a Business Development Director to join its Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) deal sourcing team. This role has a direct, measurable impact on the organization and offers the opportunity to contribute to investment decisions within a lean, high-energy, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment known for successfully sourcing M&A opportunities.

The Business Development Director will lead and expand a team dedicated to sourcing, qualifying, nurturing, and managing a strong pipeline of acquisition targets. This includes developing a comprehensive business development strategy and a long-term roadmap that ensures a steady flow of high-quality opportunities for the internal M&A team.

The ideal candidate has a proven history of sourcing and closing M&A transactions, consistently exceeding targets, and thriving in a fast-paced deal environment. Experience hiring, training, and managing M&A sourcing teams is essential. The role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, independent thinking, strong leadership abilities, and exceptional attention to detail.

The Director will cultivate relationships with business owners, CEOs, investment bankers, private equity and venture capital firms, and other senior leaders across various industries worldwide. The goal is to identify and nurture compelling acquisition opportunities that support the growth of the organization’s software portfolio. The Director will also mentor their team to meet performance goals, including capital deployment targets.

Experience in M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Investment Banking is required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, maintain, and nurture long-term relationships with owners, shareholders, private equity and venture capital firms, and other stakeholders of software businesses that fit strategic criteria.

• Develop and execute prospecting campaigns through LinkedIn, email outreach, phone calls, conferences, trade shows, and in-person meetings.

• Move prospective companies through the sourcing pipeline from initial outreach to qualified opportunity.

• Hire, coach, and mentor a team of Business Development professionals.

• Foster a high-performance, entrepreneurial culture that balances individual excellence with strong team collaboration.

• Partner with senior leaders in M&A and Operations to drive inorganic portfolio growth.

• Serve as a player-coach: conducting outbound outreach, nurturing prospects, reviewing CRM insights, joining calls with team members, reporting to leadership, and attending relevant events.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in M&A, VC, PE, or Investment Banking—particularly in deal sourcing or execution.

• Proven experience hiring, developing, and scaling a business development team.

• High curiosity and motivation to engage business owners and learn about their companies.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build rapport remotely.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a passion for team success.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, strategic thinking, and analytical ability.

• Adaptability and resilience in fast-changing priorities or high-pressure situations.

• Self-motivated, independent thinker who is open to learning and sharing new ideas.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to collaborate effectively with senior leadership.

• Willingness to travel for company visits, conferences, and trade shows as needed.