Associate, Corporate Development (Hybrid)

We are excited to speak to you about this opportunity. If you are interested in joining our growing team please apply to this link directly.

Who we are

At Aquila we invest in category-defining B2B/B2G software companies globally acting as a thought-partner striving for the success of our companies for the long term. We are a well-managed profitable company that operates like a startup with the financial backing of a parent-company. For our people this means limitless possibilities.

We are unapologetically unique pivoting to respond to the needs of the multiple markets we operate in. We have ambitious goals and were looking for genuine contributors with integrity energy flexibility and loyalty. We are investing in building future leaders who can take an idea and make things happen.

Who we need

We are hiring an Associate Corporate Development to join our North American business development team in Toronto. This is a unique opportunity to build a career at the intersection of software investing and executive relationship management. As a key member of our global deal-sourcing function you will play a pivotal role in identifying qualifying and building relationships with founder-led software companies for potential acquisition across North America the United Kingdom Australia and New this role you will research markets prospect and qualify opportunities and nurture relationships through thoughtful persistent outreach to build a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities.

This is a hybrid role with the need to visit our Toronto office 3-4 times per month.

Who you are

You have proven experience in business development or sales gained in corporate finance management consulting software sales asset/wealth management or a related field. You bring a balance of business acumen and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage founder-led companies and identify potential opportunities. Confident and curious you know how to establish credibility with CEOs and owner-operators nurture meaningful conversations and maintain momentum through thoughtful persistent outreach.

Whats in it for you

Exposure and impact.You will work directly with the founders and executive teams of potential acquisition targets building relationships that open the door to meaningful conversations about partnership and succession. Internally you will collaborate closely with the M&A team participating in progressing from first outreach through to acquisition. You will have autonomy in how you structure your day while gaining hands-on experience that bridges sales strategy and investment.

A unique environment.You are not selling a productyou are initiating conversations about buy-side opportunities. Our approach combines the pace and energy of private equity with the long-term strategic focus of corporate development. You will engage with decision-makers who are often open to dialogue giving you the chance to develop real relationships and insight into how founder-led companies operate and grow.

Career development.This is an opportunity to transition from a sales business development or deal focused M&A into the role of a buy-side corporate development expert. You will gain exposure to acquisition strategy deal evaluation and relationship managementskills that will position you for growth within corporate development. Constellation and by extension Aquila has a proven track record of acquiring and growing software companies for 25 years. You will be supported by experienced leaders mentorship and a culture that prioritizes learning promotion and professional development in an autonomous and self-directed role.

How you will make an impact:

• Deal sourcing and relationship building.You will proactively identify and engage founder-led software companies through outbound channels such as cold calls digital outreach email conferences and industry networks. You will position Aquila as the ideal long-term capital partner for mission-critical software companies building and nurturing trusted relationships with C-suite executives management teams and intermediaries including investment banks advisors lawyers and consultants. You will also gain a working knowledge of Aquilas individual business units their competitive landscapes and market positioning.
• Research analysis and screening.You will conduct in-depth product market and financial research to identify and qualify new and existing acquisition opportunities. You will generate market maps and competitive analyses leveraging tools such as CapIQ SourceScrub SalesForce and LinkedIn Sales Navigator to source and assess prospects. You will work closely with senior M&A and corporate development leaders to evaluate strategic fit growth potential and industry dynamics.
• CRM and process management.You will maintain Salesforce CRM to manage the pipeline document conversations and monitor KPI-driven metrics. You will ensure data accuracy reporting consistency and compliance with internal CRM standards across the corporate development pipeline.
• Cross-functional collaboration.You will partner with senior M&A and business operations leaders across Aquilas global portfoliowhich spans banking lending and finance higher education media and publishing retail and governmentto align on acquisition opportunities. You will prepare research briefs and presentations to support internal investment committees and decision-making processes.

You will bring:

• The knowledge.You have experience in business development investment banking M&A private equity venture capital or in B2B account management at financial institutions or professional services firms. You understand how to analyze markets products and financials and you can apply quantitative reasoning to strategic decisions. You understand or have a keen interest to develop a strong understanding of M&A transactions and Constellation Softwares approach to permanent software investing.
• The interpersonal skills.You are persuasive articulate and credible in strategic high-pressure discussions with C-suite executives. You can build rapport and trust manage objections and inspire ongoing communication.
• The drive.You are intrinsically motivated outcome-obsessed and comfortable making independent decisions in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment. You are attracted to a role where performance directly ties to results with commissions tied to the number of new leads added and the conversion of leads into qualified opportunities.
• The flexibility.You are based in the GTA Canada and are comfortable working primarily remotely with occasional travel to events and meetings.

Why join

Aquila is a division ofConstellation Software Inc. one of the largest and most successful software companies in Canada and the most successful technology stock in Canada over the last 10 years TSE: CSU.

Our entrepreneurial culture lean environment and people unite to form a dynamic organization where purpose drives our growth. This is a place where high performance and hard work are rewarded where leaders are grown and where the best ideas the autonomy to be creative and curious we collaborate and iterate to achieve real impact in the communities we support.

We spend our days asking questions and challenging the status quo manipulating our structure roles and internal operations in order to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.

If you share our growth mindset relationship-focused approach and high moral fiber you will thrive at Aquila.

Apply now

Diversity and inclusion are not mere words on paper to us. We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have most of the qualifications we are seeking and want to play an integral role in our success apply to express your interest.

What you can expect from our interview process:

1. A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and how you will make an conversation will be recorded using BrightHire an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
2. A virtual interview with the Team Lead Corporate Development to discuss your outreach tactics in past business development and sales roles your knowledge and understanding of M&A and your motivation for applying to this role.
3. An opportunity to prepare and present a case study to the Team Lead Corporate Development to demonstrate your business development approach and expertise.
4. A final interview with the SVP and Team Lead to align your skills and goals with the needs and objectives of the company. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions about the role growth opportunities and the team.

Aquila welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We are excited to speak to you about this opportunity. If you are interested in joining our growing team please apply to this link directly.