M&A Business Development Analyst

Job Description 

M&A Business Development Analyst 

Overview 

We are seeking a highly motivated M&A Business Development Analyst to support our mergers & acquisitions efforts focused on acquiring vertical market software businesses. 

This hybrid role sits at the intersection of target research, market mapping, and outbound engagement. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying, researching, prioritising, and initiating conversations with potential acquisition targets, while working closely with senior M&A Business Development Associates and Directors. 

This role is intentionally structured as a development pathway into a full M&A Business Development Associate position, based on performance, judgement, and demonstrated commercial aptitude. 

Core Responsibilities 

1. Target Research & Market Mapping 

• Conduct bottom-up research to identify potential acquisition targets across defined vertical markets. 

• Map subsectors, niches, and adjacencies to build a repeatable view of the acquisition universe. 

• Identify software businesses that meet key criteria (mission critical, recurring revenue, vertical focus). 

• Source companies through public filings, industry databases, online research, proprietary tools, and internal systems. 

• Maintain and continuously improve target lists, subsector maps, and market overviews. 

• Assess high‑level fit against Constellation-style investment criteria (without formal valuation responsibility). 

2. Pipeline Creation & Lead Qualification 

• Translate research outputs into actionable outreach lists for Business Development. 

• Support prioritisation of targets based on quality, ownership structure, maturity, and likelihood of engagement. 

• Capture and maintain clean, structured data in Salesforce (or equivalent CRM), including notes, ownership details, and interaction history. 

• Identify new targets to maximise pipeline coverage and velocity. 

3. Outbound Outreach & First‑Level Engagement 

• Initiate direct outreach to owners, founders, and senior decision‑makers via email, phone, and LinkedIn. 

• Set up qualified conversations and handoffs to senior M&A Business Development Associates. 

• Follow up persistently and professionally to build early-stage relationships. 

4. Relationship Development & Progression 

• Begin developing longer‑term relationships with business owners at the early stages of the funnel. 

• Re‑engage historical or previously contacted targets as part of follow‑up and refresh campaigns. 

• Learn best practices in founder communication, objection handling, and value proposition articulation. 

5. Learning, Development & Growth Path 

• Work closely with experienced M&A professionals to learn:  

• Deal sourcing strategy 

• Pipeline management and prioritisation 

• Founder psychology and sales‑led M&A 

• Progressively take on:  

• More complex outreach and business Development duties.  

• Greater ownership over specific subsectors 

• Increased responsibility in live deal pipelines 

• High performers will be considered for promotion into a full M&A Business Development Associate role, with compensation and responsibility aligned accordingly. 

Who You Are 

Required Attributes 

• Strong curiosity about businesses, markets, and how industries function. 

• Comfortable with ambiguity and open‑ended research problems. 

• Clear, professional communicator — written and verbal. 

• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and disciplined with data hygiene. 

• Able to balance independent work with close collaboration. 

• Willing to engage directly with senior business owners. 

Preferred Background 

• Education in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field. 

• Exposure to M&A, investment research, consulting, sales, or corporate development (internships included). 

• Comfort with Excel, CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), and online research tools. 

• Interest in developing a  M&A Business Development career. 

What We Offer 

• Direct exposure to live M&A activity within a global, acquisitive software group. 

• Clear promotion path into an M&A Business Development Associate role. 

• Hands‑on training in sourcing, outreach, and deal origination. 

• Opportunity to work on acquisitions across multiple industries and geographies. 

• Merit‑based advancement in a performance‑driven culture.