Sr Research Manager (M&A)

Senior Research Manager, M&A Origination

Location:RemoteEmployment Type:Full-TimeWorking Hours:U.S. East Coast overlap preferredCompensation:Competitive; based on experience and regionReports to:Leadership Team

About the Role

We are hiring aSenior Research Manager, M&A Originationto build and lead a more embedded, scalable research function supporting private equity clients and their portfolio companies.

Our business helps PE funds and portfolio companies identify acquisition targets. A typical engagement involves taking a client’s investment criteria, researching a large fragmented market, filtering businesses based on that criteria, and enriching target lists with accurate decision-maker information.

Today, parts of this process are handled through external contractors, primarily for enrichment and qualification. We are now looking for a more senior, embedded hire who can take ownership of the research division, manage research resources, improve communication and execution quality, and serve as the internal leader accountable for research output.

This is a strong fit for someone who combinesresearch rigor, team leadership, strong English communication, and commercial judgment.

What You’ll Own

1. Research Strategy & Target Identification
* Lead market mapping and company identification projects for M&A origination assignments
* Translate client criteria into structured research plans and workflows
* Oversee the identification and filtering of acquisition targets across fragmented industries
* Ensure research output is accurate, complete, and aligned with client objectives
* Apply sound judgment when interpreting business model nuances, ownership structures, and target fit

2. Decision-Maker Research & Data Quality
* Oversee enrichment of target lists with accurate owner and decision-maker contact information
* Ensure high standards for precision in identifying the correct contact, not just broad-volume list output
* Improve quality control across research and enrichment workflows
* Maintain a white-glove standard appropriate for sophisticated private equity and portfolio company clients

3. Team Leadership & Research Operations
* Serve as the day-to-day owner of the research function
* Manage existing contractors and help structure a scalable team model
* Potentially lead a blended team of full-time researchers plus part-time or flex contractor capacity
* Set priorities, delegate work, review output, and maintain quality standards
* Act as the primary point of accountability for research delivery

4. Client Kickoff & Internal Translation
* Join client kickoff calls and help interpret acquisition criteria
* Translate complex client requirements into actionable research instructions for the team
* Ask sharp questions to clarify business model nuances, target definitions, and market constraints
* Build confidence with client-facing stakeholders through clear, polished communication

5. Workflow Improvement & AI Adoption
* Help embed offshore research more fully into internal processes and systems
* Ensure researchers are using company-approved tools, subscriptions, and workflows
* Evaluate and implement new AI and automation tools to improve speed, accuracy, and scalability
* Shift the function from task-based outsourced support to a true embedded research department
* Continuously improve systems, documentation, and visibility into how work gets done

Ideal Candidate Profile

Must-Have
* 4+ years of experience in one or more of the following:M&A researchprivate equity research supportmarket mappingbusiness researchB2B lead generation or target identificationcommercial research / origination support
* M&A research
* private equity research support
* market mapping
* business research
* B2B lead generation or target identification
* commercial research / origination support
* Experience managing researchers, analysts, virtual teams, or contractors
* Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal
* Ability to participate confidently in client-facing calls
* Experience translating ambiguous commercial requirements into clear research execution
* Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
* Comfortable working during U.S. East Coast hours or with significant East Coast overlap

Nice-to-Have
* Experience supporting private equity firms, search funds, investment banks, or portfolio companies
* Familiarity with tools such as ZoomInfo, Apollo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and similar research databases
* Experience building or managing offshore research workflows
* Familiarity with AI tools and an interest in integrating them into day-to-day research processes
* Experience in industries involving fragmented markets, owner-operated businesses, or buy-and-build strategies

What Success Looks Like
* Research projects move faster without sacrificing quality
* The research function becomes more embedded, visible, and reliable
* Client criteria are translated clearly into high