Director, Business Development

Overview

A lower middle market M&A advisory firm is seeking a business development professional to help drive new client acquisition efforts and expand an established referral network. The role is focused on originating sell-side M&A opportunities for privately held and family-owned businesses rather than transaction execution.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior bankers to identify potential engagements, develop relationships with business owners and referral sources, and help grow the firm's presence across key industry sectors including Industrial Technology, Consumer Products, and Business Services.

This is a highly relationship-driven role that combines advisor coverage, business owner outreach, market development, and M&A origination.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand an established wealth management referral channel through ongoing advisor engagement and relationship development.
• Develop direct relationships with founders, entrepreneurs, executives, and owners of privately held businesses.
• Identify and qualify potential sell-side M&A opportunities and strategic advisory engagements.
• Build and maintain relationships with attorneys, accountants, wealth managers, family offices, and other referral sources.
• Coordinate and participate in advisor meetings, business owner meetings, conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
• Conduct targeted business development campaigns and proactive outreach initiatives.
• Partner with senior bankers to prepare for meetings, develop client strategies, and advance prospective opportunities.
• Maintain an organized pipeline of referral relationships, prospect meetings, and active opportunities.
• Represent the firm externally through networking events, industry associations, and market-facing initiatives.
• Stay informed on M&A market activity, industry trends, and buyer appetite across target sectors.

Preferred Background

Qualified candidates may come from a variety of relationship-oriented financial services backgrounds, including:

• Investment banking origination
• Commercial banking relationship management
• Wealth management or private banking
• Private equity business development
• Strategic partnerships
• Family office relationship management
• Business owner advisory
• Professional services business development
• Corporate banking

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in business development, relationship management, fundraising, investment banking, commercial banking, wealth management, consulting, or related financial services fields.
• Proven ability to develop trusted relationships with business owners, executives, advisors, and referral partners.
• Strong networking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in M&A, business owner advisory, and lower middle market companies.
• Ability to identify opportunities and develop relationships over long sales cycles.
• High degree of professionalism, organization, and follow-through.
• Comfortable with significant travel and frequent in-person meetings.
• Prior M&A, capital raising, corporate finance, or business owner advisory experience is helpful but not required.