Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003eJob Summary:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eAs Director of M\u0026amp;A, you will lead the identification, assessment, and execution of acquisition opportunities that align with Toptal’s strategic growth objectives—particularly in the talent, IT services, and tech product ecosystems. You will be directly responsible for sourcing and initiating M\u0026amp;A discussions, owning deal execution, and supporting post-acquisition integration and performance tracking.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis role requires a strong operator who can manage multiple concurrent deals under time pressure, balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, and clearly communicate complex deal theses to C-level stakeholders. You’ll work cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, People, and others to evaluate opportunities and build scalable diligence and integration frameworks.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a remote position. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003eResponsibilities:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills.\u003c/i\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYour primary objective will be to support the M\u0026amp;A team in identifying strategic acquisition targets that align with our long-term vision. This highly visible position demands a leader with exceptional communication skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to driving growth.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrigination \u0026amp; Sourcing\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003eIdentify and proactively reach out to small business owners and founders in the talent, IT services, and adjacent sectors to build a high-quality acquisition pipeline.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003eDevelop and test creative sourcing approaches to uncover actionable, proprietary opportunities.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003eRepresent Toptal in founder conversations, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and strategic insight.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eDeal Execution\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eLead commercial, financial, and operational diligence in collaboration with cross-functional partners.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eDevelop compelling deal theses and valuation models tailored to each opportunity.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eNegotiate deal terms and structure, working closely with internal and external legal counsel.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eExecutive Engagement\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003ePresent and defend deal rationale, strategic fit, and risks to senior executives including the CEO.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eClearly communicate trade-offs and integration implications of each transaction.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntegration \u0026amp; Monitoring\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003ePartner with functional leads to build and oversee execution of integration plans.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eTrack post-close performance of acquired companies, escalate risks early, and drive accountability. Team Development \u0026amp; Best Practices\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eHelp codify Toptal’s M\u0026amp;A playbook and continuously refine sourcing, diligence, and integration frameworks.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eMentor junior team members and champion a culture of excellence, urgency, and ownership.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eIn the first week, expect to:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eOnboard and integrate into Toptal.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eLearn Toptal’s business model, our value proposition, and our story.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eShadow critical teams throughout the organization to learn Toptal’s core operations and capabilities.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eIn the first month, expect to:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eGain a comprehensive understanding of Toptal’s go-to-market strategies to effectively guide M\u0026amp;A initiatives.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eLead efforts to conduct in-depth market research to identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets that align with Toptal’s strategic goals. *Cultivate strong relationships with team members across various departments to support ongoing research and outreach efforts.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eIn the first three months, expect to:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eContinue building Toptal’s proprietary deal pipeline.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eInitiate contact with promising acquisition targets, gauging their interest in potential partnerships or acquisitions.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eAdvance ongoing deals across the M\u0026amp;A pipeline, while exercising discretion and independent judgment.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eIn the first six months, expect to:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eDemonstrate progress by contributing to the growth of the acquisition pipeline and starting to see the impact of your efforts on Toptal’s strategic goals.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eIn the first year, expect to:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eHave successfully executed multiple acquisitions or partnerships that align with the company’s long-term goals.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eExpand your influence within the company by continuously refining and executing your strategies, leading to measurable improvements in pipeline volume and gross revenue.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eContinue scaling your efforts by optimizing processes, tools, and collaboration with other departments to drive sustained growth and success.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 13.5pt;\"\u003eQualifications and Job Requirements:\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eBachelor’s degree is required.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003e10+ years of relevant experience in M\u0026amp;A, corporate development, investment banking, or private equity; experience with tech services or product-based acquisitions strongly preferred.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eDemonstrated success sourcing and closing small-cap, founder-led deals, particularly in talent marketplaces, IT services, or product-led companies.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eExperience initiating and managing founder outreach, including cold engagement and relationship development.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eStrong comfort juggling multiple engagements simultaneously and managing execution under time pressure.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eHands-on experience with post-acquisition integration and performance monitoring.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eProven ability to present and defend deals to C-level leadership and boards.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eDeep understanding of valuation, deal structuring, and strategic fit analysis.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eComfortable with ambiguity and able to move fast in a lean, high-accountability environment.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eExceptional modeling skills in Excel and ability to use Google Sheets.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eRelentless attention to detail and a bias for action.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eMust have excellent written and oral communication skills. Good communication is at the core of everything we do, and you must be a strong communicator able to work with a wide range of stakeholders from senior executives to individual contributors.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eExcellent organization skills and detail-oriented. You are hyper-organized, know how to work efficiently, and prioritize execution, as well as mentor others to do the same.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eAdaptable. Comfortable managing changing priorities, learning new skills, and building consensus across varied senior stakeholder groups.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eOwnership. You are a dependable leader who takes responsibility for your success as well as the success of the entire team.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eQuality. You take pride in everything you deliver as a reflection of yourself.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eAbility to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and handle a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse array of contacts.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10pt;\"\u003e·\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 7pt;\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003c/span\u003eYou must be a world-class individual contributor to thrive at Toptal. You will not be here just to tell other people what to do.\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e