Business Development Associate - M&A Deal Origination - Glasgow / Western central belt

Drive international deal origination within a high-growth software investment environment where your ability to build trusted, long-term relationships will directly influence acquisition success. This permanent Business Development Associate opportunity is based in Glasgow (hybrid, 2–3 days in the office) and offers genuine scope to shape pipeline strategy across Anglo-Saxon markets.

The Opportunity

As Business Development Associate, you will play a central role in building, managing and continuously improving a predictable business development funnel. Working closely with the UK M&A function, you will identify, engage and nurture relationships with founders and key decision-makers across Vertical Market Software businesses.

This is a relationship-led origination role combining strategic market research, proactive outbound engagement and disciplined pipeline management. You will assess owner interest, encourage dialogue at the appropriate time and support the progression of qualified opportunities through the M&A pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify Vertical Market Software companies aligned to the firm’s investment thesis
• Initiate and develop long-term relationships with founders, executives and key stakeholders
• Deliver structured outreach activity, managing call campaigns and meeting targets set by the team lead
• Build relationships with investment bankers, advisors and wider ecosystem contacts to enhance deal flow
• Qualify potential acquisition opportunities and support their progression through the transaction pipeline
• Maintain accurate CRM records, performance metrics and conversion analytics
• Undertake occasional domestic and international travel (with advance notice)

Required Skills & Experience

• 2–5 years’ experience in Business Development, sales or M&A deal origination
• Proven ability to build and nurture long-term commercial relationships
• Confidence in cold outreach and telephone-based prospecting (essential)
• Strong organisational and pipeline management capability
• Results-oriented, resilient and persistent approach
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative
• Basic understanding of financial principles or exposure to software/technology sectors (advantageous)
• Commercial curiosity and a genuine interest in relationship-led acquisition activity

Package & Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based commission linked to completed transactions
• Hybrid working model (3 days office / 2 days remote)
• 28 days’ annual leave
• Company pension scheme
• Clear opportunities for professional development and progression
• Supportive, collaborative and high-performing team culture

Why This Role?

• Direct exposure to international M&A activity within the software sector
• Opportunity to influence acquisition strategy and pipeline development
• Blend of autonomy and collaboration within an entrepreneurial environment
• Long-term career development in a growing, acquisitive organisation

To learn more or apply, please contact Ross McQuarrie at ross@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.