Head of M&A

The Head of M&A is a critical executive role responsible for architecting and scaling Harbo r’s inorganic growth engine. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will own end ‑ to ‑ end M&A performance — from origination through integration — while serving as a trusted partner to Harbor ’ s Board and financial sponsors. Success in this role requires strategic vision, disciplined execution, and the credibility to lead complex transactions in a high ‑ growth, PE ‑ backed professional services environment. As Head of M&A at Harbor, you will be the executive leader responsible for the overarching strategy and execution of Harbor’s M&A function. You will have primary responsibility for deal origination, execution, and integration . You will own and scale Harbor’s inorganic growth engine as a core driver of enterprise value creation, translating Harbor’s strategic roadmap into a repeatable M&A motion spanning tuck-ins, strategic adjacencies, and transformational opportunities. You will lead a small team currently comprised of two Senior Managers, one focused on pipeline development and deal execution and one focused on integration efforts. You’ll partner closely with your executive peers and the leadership teams in Delivery, Go-to-Market, Finance, Legal, and Enterprise Operations to ensure seamless M&A execution and integration, consistent with Harbor’s enterprise-wide strategic roadmap. This role is both strategic and operational — defining Harbor’s market approach while ensuring rigorous execution, healthy pipeline, and high-performance culture across all M&A motions – and highly visible in-market working directly with key intermediaries and target management teams. Time allocation will flex across origination, execution, and integration, with a primary focus on sustaining a high-quality pipeline and ensuring successful deal outcomes. You will have frequent interactions with Harbor’s Board of Directors and will work closely with Harbor’s financial sponsors , BayPine and Renovus . This is a remote position that can work from anywhere in the United States, with preference given to those candidates who can work from our Chicago, Illinois office headquarters. What you’ll do: Define and Drive M&A Strategy Architect and continuously evolve Harbor’s M&A strategy , encompassing deal origination, execution, and integration Align Harbor’s M&A strategy with the company’s 2030 strategic roadmap P artner with practice group leaders to build out Harbor capabilities consistent with long-run strategic objectives Report directly to the CEO , work collaboratively with Harbor’s financial sponsors , and present to Harbor’s Board of Directors Shape Inorganic Growth Thesis Define priority targets across: Legal tech implementation & managed services (core) Corporate legal + ALSP expansion Data / AI / analytics capabilities Adjacent professional services verticals Evaluate build vs. buy vs. partner Own target archetypes and “deal thesis library” Own Inorganic Growth Outcomes (Execution + Integration) Set and deliver performance targets across pipeline generation, LOIs signed, EBITDA acquired , entry valuation, and post-close performance Acquire ~$8M+ EBITDA annually through M&A Drive mix of deals across tuck-ins (~$2M EBITDA), mid-sized opportunities (~$ 5 M EBITDA), and more transformational opportunities Serve as the executive owner of post ‑ close integration, setting integration strategy, governance, and success metrics while partnering with functional and practice leaders to ensure operational, cultural, and financial objectives are achieved Build a repeatable integration playbook (aligned with prior success integrating multiple acquisitions) Ensure post-close revenue and EBITDA meet or exceed underwriting case within 12– 24 months Lead the M&A Organization Build and scale a best-in-class corporate development function Define org structure across: Origination Deal execution Integration Partner with financial sponsors on resourcing strategy and capability build-out Manage a high-performing team with responsibility for the full deal lifecycle Foster collaboration across the broader Harbor organization Develop a Relationship Ecosystem Position Harbor as “buyer of choice” in the legal services ecosystem Build and own relationships with key intermediaries, business brokers, and investment bankers Build proprietary deal flow across: Founder-owned firms Sponsor-backed platforms Strategic divestitures Win the “ hearts and minds ” of the management teams of potential targets Attend and present at industry conferences, serving as an ambassador of Harbor Represent M&A in the C-Suite Act as the voice of the market and target management teams in executive forums Contribute to corporate strategy, investor alignment, and service line and/or geographic expansion You’re a great fit if you have: 10–15+ years of leadership experience in M&A, corporate development, private equity, or adjacent transaction ‑ heavy roles Proven experience in buy-and-build / roll-up environments; t rack record of closing multiple deals annually Demonstrated success leading complex, multi ‑ stakeholder transactions from origination through integration Strong financial acumen , including valuation, deal structuring, and investment committee communication Credibility with Boards, financial sponsors, and executive leadership teams Experience in professional services , IT services, verticalized technology ‑ enabled services, or similarly complex delivery environments strongly preferred Experience working with private equity or operating in private equity-backed portfolio companies Demonstrated ability to build a strong network and develop relationships with executives, individual teams, and external stakeholders . Understands individual behavioral traits and different personality types Strong negotiation, presentation and writing skills Willingness to travel regularly across the U.S. and UK, including for diligence, management meetings, industry events, and Board engagement Driven, resilient, agile , creative , and bold when required What you can expect from us S trategic Leadership Role – Shape the future of Harbor’s growth strategy and M&A engine Compelling Compensation – Alignment with value creation outcomes combined with strong equity participation Collaborative Executive Team – Work alongside experienced leaders across Strategy, Operations , Delivery, and Finance Flexible Work Environment – Remote-first, with offices in Chicago and London Comprehensive Benefits – Competitive compensation, equity, unlimited PTO, and professional growth support Inclusive Community – Join a culture built on integrity, innovation, and shared success About Us: Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 800+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem. Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.