Managing Director, Deal Lead Responsibilities Lead the identification and prioritization of acquisition targets in coordination with the Research and Intelligence team. Develop relationships with target company owners and management over time, consistent with the firm's patient, relationship‑first advisory approach. Exercise judgment on which opportunities to pursue, deprioritize, or abandon based on evolving deal dynamics and client strategy. Manage the transition from initial contact to formal engagement, including the preparation and negotiation of Letters of Intent. Lead the structuring, negotiation, and closing of acquisition transactions on behalf of the client. Coordinate the deal execution team across financial analysis, technical assessment, due diligence, and legal workstreams. Navigate the financial, psychological, and operational complexity that arises in middle‑market and lower‑middle‑market transactions involving family‑owned businesses. Maintain deal momentum through the full transaction lifecycle, managing competing priorities and keeping all parties aligned. Oversee the preparation and review of transaction documents, including LOIs, purchase agreements, and supporting schedules, in coordination with legal counsel. Client Management Serve as the primary point of contact between the firm and the client for all matters related to active opportunities. Provide regular deal updates to client management and ensure alignment on strategy, timing, and deal terms throughout the process. Participate in client strategy sessions and contribute to the ongoing refinement of the client's acquisition criteria and program. Represent the firm and the client professionally in all interactions with target companies, their advisors, and other transaction participants. Team Leadership Direct and coordinate the work of Senior Associates on the Research and Intelligence and Deal Analysis and Execution teams. Provide deal leadership and judgement on escalated questions, competing priorities, and situations where the path forward is ambiguous. Maintain a high standard of work product quality across all team outputs. Qualifications Bachelor's degree. Proven track record leading M&A transactions from origination through close, with demonstrated ability to manage the full lifecycle independently. Significant experience in M&A advisory, investment banking, corporate development, or private equity at a level where transaction leadership was a primary function. Experience working with family‑owned businesses, closely held companies, or owner‑operators is a strong plus. Familiarity with the industrial services sector (construction, specialty contracting, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, or related fields) is a meaningful plus. Experience managing junior team members and coordinating multi‑functional deal teams. Strong command of transaction structuring, valuation, and deal mechanics across a range of deal types and sizes. Ability to review and provide direction on financial models, valuation analyses, and deal documentation produced by the deal execution team. Proficiency with standard M&A tools and deal management processes. Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to produce and present executive‑level materials with credibility. Licenses and Certifications FINRA Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative): Required, or able to obtain promptly after hire. FINRA Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law): Required, or able to obtain promptly after hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr