Our client is a dynamic and growing buy-side mergers and acquisitions firm that collaborates with private equity groups and strategic investors to acquire businesses, focusing on add-on acquisitions. They are seeking an Origination Associate to drive deal flow and identify acquisition targets for their clients.

As an Origination Associate, you will play a critical role in sourcing potential acquisition opportunities. You will be responsible for engaging with business owners, establishing relationships, and identifying businesses that align with client investment strategies. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and resilient sales professional with a strong ability to build rapport and communicate effectively across all levels.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively identify and engage with business owners to assess their interest in potential acquisitions.
• Build and nurture relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers.
• Conduct high-volume outbound sales outreach via phone, email, LinkedIn, and other channels.
• Qualify potential acquisition targets and present high-value opportunities to internal teams.
• Collaborate with Client Directors and Private Equity teams to align sourcing efforts with strategic goals.
• Maintain and enhance the firm’s proprietary database with relevant market intelligence.
• Contribute to process improvements that optimize deal origination strategies.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in sales, business development, investment banking, commercial real estate, or a related field.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships across all levels, from small business owners to corporate executives.
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Persistent and resilient, with the ability to handle rejection and maintain a positive attitude.
• Familiarity with M&A or finance is a plus but not required.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $60,000 - $100,000+ (depending on experience).
• Performance-based bonus structure with unlimited earning potential.
• Commission on closed deals, allowing for significant earnings growth.
• Comprehensive healthcare and pension benefits.
• 15 days of PTO, plus holidays.
• Opportunity for rapid career advancement within the M&A space

Why Join our client?

• Direct exposure to high-value M&A transactions.
• Work closely with industry leaders in private equity and strategic acquisitions.
• A highly collaborative, fast-paced, and growth-driven environment.
• The opportunity to develop a rewarding and lucrative career in mergers and acquisitions.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy USA 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. 

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. 

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. 

Privacy and Pay Equity: 

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at  

• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. 

State-Specific Information: 

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. 

• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 

• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. 

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. 

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. 

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. 

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.