Managing Director, Deal Lead

Our partner is seeking an experienced Managing Director, Deal Lead to join one of its dedicated buy-side advisory teams. In this role, you will lead acquisition programs for a long-term corporate client, working closely with executive leadership to identify, evaluate, negotiate, and execute strategic acquisitions.
As the senior deal executive on the team, you will own the end-to-end acquisition process, from opportunity identification through transaction close, while coordinating research, financial analysis, due diligence, and execution resources. You will be accountable for driving transactions to successful completion and serving as the primary leader throughout the deal lifecycle.
This is a highly autonomous leadership role requiring a proven track record of independently leading complex M&A transactions. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable navigating financial analysis, stakeholder management, negotiations, and the challenges that arise during high-value deal execution.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES‍

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Opportunity Identification & Development

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Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of acquisition targets in collaboration with the Research & Intelligence team.
Develop and maintain long-term relationships with business owners and executive leadership, following a relationship-driven approach to deal origination.
Exercise sound judgment in determining which opportunities to pursue, deprioritize, or discontinue based on evolving market conditions and strategic objectives.
Lead the transition from initial outreach through formal engagement, including the preparation and negotiation of Letters of Intent (LOIs).

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Transaction Execution

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Lead the structuring, negotiation, and successful closing of acquisition transactions on behalf of clients.
Coordinate cross-functional deal teams across financial analysis, technical due diligence, legal, and transaction execution.
Navigate the financial, operational, and interpersonal complexities commonly associated with middle-market acquisitions, particularly involving privately held and family-owned businesses.
Maintain transaction momentum throughout the deal lifecycle by managing priorities, mitigating risks, and aligning stakeholders.
Oversee the preparation and review of transaction documentation, including LOIs, purchase agreements, and supporting schedules, in partnership with legal counsel.

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Client Relationship Management

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Serve as the primary advisor and point of contact for clients throughout active acquisition engagements.
Provide regular transaction updates, strategic recommendations, and guidance on timing, valuation, and deal terms.
Participate in strategic planning sessions to refine acquisition criteria and long-term growth initiatives.
Represent the firm and its clients professionally in interactions with target companies, advisors, lenders, and other transaction stakeholders.

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Team Leadership

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Lead and mentor Senior Associates and technical deal professionals throughout the acquisition process.
Provide direction on complex transactions, resolve escalated issues, and make informed decisions in ambiguous situations.
Ensure consistently high-quality work products across research, financial analysis, due diligence, and transaction execution.

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Professional Experience

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Proven success leading mergers and acquisitions from origination through closing, with the ability to independently manage the entire transaction lifecycle.
Significant experience in M&A advisory, investment banking, corporate development, or private equity where transaction leadership was a primary responsibility.
Experience working with privately held, founder-led, or family-owned businesses is highly desirable.
Exposure to industrial sectors such as manufacturing, construction, distribution, transportation, logistics, or related industries is preferred.
Demonstrated experience leading junior professionals and coordinating cross-functional deal teams.

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Technical Skills

Strong expertise in transaction structuring, valuation methodologies, financial analysis, and deal execution.
Ability to review, challenge, and guide financial models, valuation analyses, and transaction documentation prepared by deal teams.
Proficiency with industry-standard M&A tools, processes, and transaction management practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information to executive-level stakeholders.

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Licenses & Certifications

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FINRA Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) license, or the ability to obtain it shortly after joining.
FINRA Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law) license, or the ability to obtain it shortly after joining.

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Leadership Attributes

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Executive presence with the ability to build credibility with both Fortune 500 leadership teams and privately held business owners.
Strong judgment and decision-making skills in fast-moving, ambiguous, and high-pressure environments.
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to independently manage a complex transaction pipeline.
Patient, relationship-oriented approach combined with the discipline to maintain transaction momentum over extended timelines.
High level of professionalism, discretion, integrity, and commitment to client confidentiality.

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REPORTING STRUCTURE

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The Managing Director, Deal Lead will report directly to senior firm leadership and provide day-to-day leadership to the Senior Associates and technical deal professionals assigned to their team.

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LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENT

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This is primarily an on-site position based in Fort Worth, Texas, with regular travel throughout the United States to support client engagements, management meetings, and active transactions. Exceptional candidates located outside the Dallas–Fort Worth area may be considered, provided they are willing to travel as required.

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