We are seeking a dynamic Head of Business Development, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) to lead and manage our M&A team as our co-founder transitions into retirement over the next 18 months. This role will begin with overseeing project management for M&A processes, managing the existing team (including the co-founder), and working closely with key stakeholders to ensure successful integration. Over time, the role will evolve to identify and evaluate strategic opportunities for mergers and acquisitions and purchasing customer lists.
This role will work closely with the CEO and cross-functional leaders, ensuring that each acquisition aligns with ConnectPay’s growth vision and enhances our service portfolio. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a strong background in financial planning, due diligence, and negotiations and will have experience managing a team in a fast-paced environment. This role is ideal for a results-driven, strategic thinker with deep M&A experience who can champion ConnectPay’s growth vision and uphold the company's core values.
M&A Strategy & Execution
- Lead metrics-driven sales process while learning the business from the co-founder to begin closing deals alongside the team quickly.
- Develop and implement strategic M&A initiatives aligned with ConnectPay’s growth objectives.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of acquisition opportunities through active prospecting and networking.
- Develop innovative acquisition strategies to expand opportunities and increase revenue growth.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Manage and grow the M&A team, ensuring successful execution of all phases of the deal process.
- Collaborate with cross-functional product, marketing, and technology leaders to align M&A activities with company goals.
- Oversee the M&A team's execution of critical tasks throughout the deal lifecycle, from market analysis and sourcing to post-acquisition integration.
- Ensure seamless post-acquisition integration to optimize operational and financial performance.
- Maintain high ethical standards and ensure integrity throughout all business dealings.
Deal Management:
- Oversee the full lifecycle of M&A transactions, from market analysis and sourcing to negotiation, closing, and integration.
- Partner with CFO to redesign close playbook and negotiation strategies to protect both buyer and seller.
- Assess potential sellers’ business objectives and create a value proposition for M&A transactions.
- Cultivate relationships with key referral sources and influencers to drive acquisition leads.
- Conduct business assessments and discovery meetings to explore prospects’ suitability for acquisition or merger with ConnectPay.
- Lead negotiations and close deals with payroll service bureau sellers, ensuring successful integration into our platform.
- Ensure seamless post-acquisition integration to optimize operational and financial performance.
- Refine and enhance internal tracking systems to monitor deal performance and key metrics.
Qualifications
Leadership & Management
- Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively across departments, including product, marketing, and technology teams.
- Experience managing M&A or business development teams in small business contexts.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a proven capacity to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Skilled in presenting and evaluating complex data and making sound decisions.
- Be comfortable in a small, fast-growing company and be a Player/Coach.
Strategic Expertise:
- Intellectually curious – Willing to learn the dynamics of small business M&A and industry dynamics from the co-founder.
- Established a professional network for deal sourcing and business development.
- Process driven—Ability to assess existing processes and drive optimization.
- Experience in human capital management, payroll services, banking, private equity, or related industries is preferred.
- Proven ability to adapt to changing priorities and drive innovative strategies.
Communication & Collaboration:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven ability to maintain integrity and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate honestly and professionally, even when presenting dissenting opinions.
- Skilled in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Education & Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, including at least 5 years managing an M&A or business development team.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance or business; MBA desirable but not required.
- Ability to travel (25% on average with peaks and valleys) to build personal relationships with sellers, brokers, industry leaders, and the ConnectPay team.
