Head of Mergers and Acquisitions

The Head of M&A is a critical executive role responsible for architecting and scaling Harbor'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.

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.
• Partner 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 ($5M EBITDA), and more transformational opportunities.
• Serve as the executive owner of post‑close integration, setting integration strategy, governance, and success metrics.
• Build a repeatable integration playbook.
• 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, and integration.
• Partner with financial sponsors on resourcing strategy and capability build-out.
• Manage a high-performing team with responsibility for the full deal lifecycle.

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, and strategic divestitures.
• Win the "hearts and minds" of the management teams of potential targets.

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; track 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, or technology‑enabled services strongly preferred.
• Experience working with private equity or operating in private equity-backed portfolio companies.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and writing skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the U.S. and UK.

What you can expect from us

• Strategic 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 900 strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients—leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments—to provide essential resources and invaluable insights.

Harbor is an equal opportunity employer.