M&A/Business Development Manager (PE-Backed Platform)
SAS Service Partners, Austin, TX, United States
Role Overview
The Business Development Manager will be responsible for originating, advancing, and closing acquisition opportunities across SAS’s target markets. This is a frontline, externally-facing role focused on owning the deal process from initial engagement through execution.
You will engage directly with business owners, build conviction and trust over time, and drive opportunities through to close in partnership with the internal team. This role is not focused on lead generation alone, but rather on converting opportunities into completed transactions.
This is a high-accountability, high-touch role requiring persistence, strong judgment, and the ability to operate independently in complex, relationship-driven situations. The successful candidate will be viewed internally as a deal owner and closer, responsible for ensuring opportunities do not stall and are consistently advanced toward execution.
Key Responsibilities
Deal Ownership & Execution
Take primary responsibility for advancing acquisition opportunities from initial engagement through closing
Maintain momentum across all stages of the deal process, ensuring consistent follow-up, engagement, and progression
Work directly with business owners to build trust, align on transaction objectives, and navigate negotiations
Relationship Development
Develop deep, long-term relationships with founders, intermediaries, and industry participants
Position SAS as a preferred partner through consistent, thoughtful engagement
Maintain ongoing dialogue with prospects to drive both near-term and future transactions
Opportunity Advancement & Qualification
Lead initial and ongoing discussions with business owners to assess strategic fit, readiness, and transaction dynamics
Gather critical information, identify key issues, and proactively address potential obstacles to closing
Ensure all qualified opportunities are effectively prepared and positioned for internal underwriting and execution
Deal Process Management
Partner closely with internal underwriting and deal team members to progress opportunities through diligence and closing
Coordinate information flow, manage follow-ups, and ensure alignment between all parties throughout the process
Remain actively involved through closing – this role does not hand off deals, but instead works them through completion
Market Coverage & Targeting
Maintain a strong understanding of target markets, competitive dynamics, and key players
Prioritize high-quality opportunities and focus time on the most actionable and strategic targets
Support ongoing refinement of sourcing and engagement strategy based on market feedback
Conduct targeted outbound outreach where needed to initiate or re-engage opportunities
Leverage multiple channels (calls, email, intermediaries) as part of a broader relationship-driven approach
Cold calling ability is expected, but this role is primarily focused on developing and closing opportunities, not pure volume outreach
Qualifications
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree (all majors welcome), with demonstrated interest in business, finance, or investing.
Experience: 3-5 years in private equity, investment banking, sales, consulting, or a similar business development role.
Closing Ability: Demonstrated ability – or clear potential – to build relationships, advance conversations, and drive outcomes to completion
Relationship Skills: Strong interpersonal instincts with the ability to engage directly and credibly with business owners
Ownership Mentality: High degree of accountability; takes responsibility for outcomes and follows through without reliance on others
Persistence & Resilience: Comfortable operating in a high-pressure environment requiring consistent follow-up and problem-solving
Judgment: Ability to assess opportunities quickly, identify key issues, and prioritize effectively
Team Orientation: Able to work closely with internal stakeholders while maintaining ownership of the deal process
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM software is a plus.
SAS Service Partners provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other classification prohibited by applicable law.
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The Business Development Manager will be responsible for originating, advancing, and closing acquisition opportunities across SAS’s target markets. This is a frontline, externally-facing role focused on owning the deal process from initial engagement through execution.
You will engage directly with business owners, build conviction and trust over time, and drive opportunities through to close in partnership with the internal team. This role is not focused on lead generation alone, but rather on converting opportunities into completed transactions.
This is a high-accountability, high-touch role requiring persistence, strong judgment, and the ability to operate independently in complex, relationship-driven situations. The successful candidate will be viewed internally as a deal owner and closer, responsible for ensuring opportunities do not stall and are consistently advanced toward execution.
Key Responsibilities
Deal Ownership & Execution
Take primary responsibility for advancing acquisition opportunities from initial engagement through closing
Maintain momentum across all stages of the deal process, ensuring consistent follow-up, engagement, and progression
Work directly with business owners to build trust, align on transaction objectives, and navigate negotiations
Relationship Development
Develop deep, long-term relationships with founders, intermediaries, and industry participants
Position SAS as a preferred partner through consistent, thoughtful engagement
Maintain ongoing dialogue with prospects to drive both near-term and future transactions
Opportunity Advancement & Qualification
Lead initial and ongoing discussions with business owners to assess strategic fit, readiness, and transaction dynamics
Gather critical information, identify key issues, and proactively address potential obstacles to closing
Ensure all qualified opportunities are effectively prepared and positioned for internal underwriting and execution
Deal Process Management
Partner closely with internal underwriting and deal team members to progress opportunities through diligence and closing
Coordinate information flow, manage follow-ups, and ensure alignment between all parties throughout the process
Remain actively involved through closing – this role does not hand off deals, but instead works them through completion
Market Coverage & Targeting
Maintain a strong understanding of target markets, competitive dynamics, and key players
Prioritize high-quality opportunities and focus time on the most actionable and strategic targets
Support ongoing refinement of sourcing and engagement strategy based on market feedback
Conduct targeted outbound outreach where needed to initiate or re-engage opportunities
Leverage multiple channels (calls, email, intermediaries) as part of a broader relationship-driven approach
Cold calling ability is expected, but this role is primarily focused on developing and closing opportunities, not pure volume outreach
Qualifications
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree (all majors welcome), with demonstrated interest in business, finance, or investing.
Experience: 3-5 years in private equity, investment banking, sales, consulting, or a similar business development role.
Closing Ability: Demonstrated ability – or clear potential – to build relationships, advance conversations, and drive outcomes to completion
Relationship Skills: Strong interpersonal instincts with the ability to engage directly and credibly with business owners
Ownership Mentality: High degree of accountability; takes responsibility for outcomes and follows through without reliance on others
Persistence & Resilience: Comfortable operating in a high-pressure environment requiring consistent follow-up and problem-solving
Judgment: Ability to assess opportunities quickly, identify key issues, and prioritize effectively
Team Orientation: Able to work closely with internal stakeholders while maintaining ownership of the deal process
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM software is a plus.
SAS Service Partners provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other classification prohibited by applicable law.
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