Demo

Manager - Deal Origination

Employer.com
California, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/18/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/14/2026
We are a private equity firm focused on acquiring and growing mid-market software businesses. We move fast, operate with conviction, and look for companies with durable competitive positions in the $50–$100MM transaction range. We are not a growth equity fund chasing the next IPO — we buy businesses.

We are hiring a Manager of Deal Origination to build and own our deal pipeline. This is a high-ownership, high-visibility role sitting at the intersection of investment banking, business development, and relationship management. You will be the firm’s face to founders, CEOs, bankers, and lawyers — and the engine that keeps qualified opportunities moving to our deal team.

This is not a passive role. You will originate, not just process. The right person has done this before, has closed deals, and is ready to step into a seat with real accountability and real upside.

For transparency, this role pays $120-150k Base 60k in annual bonuses tied to deals closed. Equity up for discussion.

Job Description

  • Build and manage a high-volume pipeline of proprietary M&A opportunities in the software vertical, targeting transactions in the $50–$100MM range
  • Own outbound deal origination: cold and warm outreach via email, phone, LinkedIn, and in-person at conferences and industry events
  • Develop and maintain relationships with sell-side intermediaries — bankers, brokers, and advisors — at middle market and boutique M&A firms
  • Identify, qualify, and engage directly with software company founders and owners who are not yet running a formal process
  • Represent the firm professionally in all external interactions; you will be in rooms with CEOs, investment bankers, and M&A counsel
  • Screen and prioritize inbound opportunities alongside the deal team
  • Travel to trade shows, conferences, target company meetings, and networking events — including on short notice
  • Maintain accurate pipeline tracking and activity reporting in CRM (Salesforce or equivalent)
  • Partner with investment principals to refine targeting criteria, develop thesis-driven outreach campaigns, and iterate on sourcing strategy

Qualifications

  • 4–6 years of experience in investment banking (software/technology M&A strongly preferred), corporate development at a fund or PE-backed company, or a senior business development role with direct M&A exposure
  • A track record of closing deals — not just a part of working on deals that closed, but actually hands on closing them yourself.
  • Genuine business development experience: email campaigns, conference attendance, cold outreach, and relationship-building — not just execution support
  • Deep familiarity with middle market M&A mechanics, deal structuring, and the intermediary landscape
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills — you are charismatic, credible, and comfortable representing a firm at the highest levels
  • A scrappy, self-starting mentality; you set your own pace and it is fast
  • Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier university
  • Must be based in the US or Canada

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Salary : $120,000 - $150,000

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