Head of Business Development (M&A), Deal Origination

Chapter International is a specialist M&A advisory firm focused on the Consumer, Technology and Digital Services markets. Operating internationally, with a significant proportion of our transactions involving US counterparties, we advise founders and shareholders on the sale of their businesses and other strategic transactions.

Following a period of significant growth, Chapter is investing heavily in its Business Development function. We are looking for a Head of Business Development (M&A) to lead the origination and conversion of new sell-side advisory mandates and help build a scalable revenue-generation platform for the firm.

The primary objective of this role is simple: identify high-quality founder-led businesses, build relationships with their owners and convert those relationships into retained M&A advisory mandates for Chapter.

This is a senior, front-office and directly revenue-generating position. The successful candidate will own the full business-development lifecycle, from target identification and initial engagement through valuation discussions, pitching, commercial negotiation and mandate conversion.

Working directly with Chapter's Founder, you will also help shape the firm's broader go-to-market strategy, develop new origination channels and, over time, build and lead a wider Business Development team.

We are specifically looking for candidates with experience in sell-side M&A, corporate finance or transaction-led business development. This is not primarily a buy-side acquisition-sourcing role.

The Role:

• Deal Origination & Revenue Generation
• Own the full origination lifecycle: sourcing -> pitching -> mandate conversion
• Attend industry events and become a thought leader in the consumer ecosystem
• Develop strong relationships with Business Owners, Private Equity Firms, Strategics and other Sell & Buyer Side Targets
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of founder-led businesses considering a strategic transaction, with responsibility for progressing opportunities from initial engagement through valuation discussion, pitch and signed mandate
• Commercial & Transaction Capability
• Review company financials and rapidly assess transaction suitability and indicative valuation.
• Lead credible valuation and transaction discussions with prospective clients.
• Work alongside Chapter's execution team to develop valuation materials and transaction positioning ahead of mandate conversion.
• Knowledge Hub
• Identify industry-specific trends and issues, including financial information and incoming profiles of prospects
• Leadership
• Spearhead the new area of coverage with Founder (Logistics, Digital Marketing, SaaS)
• Build relationships with founders, shareholders, management teams and key referral partners, while developing relationships across the broader private equity and strategic ecosystem
• Manage and develop the broader Business Development strategy
• Oversee the development of the broader team, with recruiting being a core purview as the role evolves

Why Chapter International?

• We are a true meritocratic organisation, no politics, if you perform, you progress!
• Environment of continuous improvement and goal achievement. With personal and professional development our key focus.
• Direct project leadership opportunities, manage your own processes. No micro-managers!
• Strong Remuneration, package and perks

Candidate Expectations:

• Possess outstanding financial expertise, complemented by exemplary communication abilities and a confident demeanour
• Commercial Acumen, with ability to pitch our services to prospective business owners, strong interpersonal skills are crucial
• Strong work ethic and desire to become a subject matter expert across our verticles
• Critical thinking ability and demonstrable experience of emotional intelligence
• Ability to thrive under pressure
• Open to international travel and working flexible hours (project dependent)
• Prior experience in M&A advisory, investment banking, corporate finance or transaction-services business development, ideally with direct experience originating sell-side mandates. Candidates from adjacent investment, private equity or corporate development backgrounds will only be considered where they can demonstrate meaningful experience in client acquisition, advisory business development or founder-led origination.
• Demonstrated Experience: winning new business, leading client conversions and negotiations
• Desirable; Spanish or German speaking