Director of Corporate Development

Description: Head of M&A - RIA AcquisitionsPosition: Director of Corporate DevelopmentReports To: President of Advisory ServicesLocation: St. Louis or HoustonCompensation: Competitive base + performance-based incentives tied to deal success and integration outcomesOverviewLarson Financial Group is a rapidly expanding wealth management enterprise currently managing over $7B in assets across two RIAs. We are pursuing an aggressive inorganic growth strategy, targeting 5-10 RIA acquisitions in the next 2-3 years. We are seeking an experienced Head of M&A to build and lead our acquisition and integration efforts from the ground up.The ideal candidate is a strategic operator and dealmaker who can build a sustainable acquisition pipeline, lead transactions end-to-end, and ensure smooth integration of acquired firms into our platform. This is a high-impact role with significant visibility and influence across our leadership team.ResponsibilitiesM&A Strategy & SourcingDevelop and execute a strategic roadmap for RIA acquisitions aligned with firm growth goals.Identify, research, and cultivate relationships with target firms and potential sellers.Manage and track acquisition pipeline using CRM tools and market intelligence.Negotiate NDAs, LOIs, and definitive agreements alongside executive and legal teams.Deal ExecutionLead due diligence process - financial, operational, legal, and cultural.Develop deal structures and financial models to evaluate transaction economics.Coordinate internal and external stakeholders (legal, finance, compliance, tech).Manage transaction timelines, ensuring efficient and successful closings.Integration & Value CreationPartner with internal operations, technology, and service teams to design and execute post-merger integration plans.Develop KPI frameworks to measure integration success and synergy realization.Ensure client continuity, advisor retention, and operational alignment across entities.Leadership & CommunicationServe as primary liaison between acquired firms and leadership during transition.Present regular updates to executive leadership and board on M&A progress and pipeline health.Build and mentor a small, high-performing M&A and integration team over time. Requirements: QualificationsBachelor's degree required7-10+ years of relevant M&A, corporate development, or investment banking experience (RIA or financial services focus strongly preferred).Proven ability to source, structure, and close middle-market transactions ($100M-$2B+ AUM range).Deep understanding of RIA business models, valuation methodologies, and custodial ecosystems.Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal abilities.Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deals.Entrepreneurial, self-directed, and motivated by growth.Success in This Role Looks LikeBuilding a proprietary deal pipeline of 50+ active targets within 12 months.Closing 3-5 strategically aligned transactions in the first 18 months.Designing a repeatable integration framework that reduces time-to-synergy by 25%.Elevating firm reputation as a "partner of choice" for RIA owners considering succession or strategic alignment.Larson offers a generous employee benefits & perks package:Profit Sharing Bonus Program401(k) Employer Match up to 4%Medical Insurance (HDHP HSA plans are 100% paid for the employee)ER PD TelehealthDental InsuranceVision InsuranceER PD Life, Disability & EAP InsuranceSupplemental InsurancePaid time Off (112 hours after 90 days)Holiday Pay (12 Holidays)Training & EducationER Events, Awards, ActivitiesPI1831c5-