Lead Transformational Sell-Side Outcomes for Business Owners

At ArkMalibu, we’re redefining what a boutique M&A advisory firm can be. Unlike traditional investment banks, we work exclusively on the sell-side—partnering directly with business owners to guide them through the most important transaction of their lives. With no buy-side conflicts, our team is uniquely positioned to advocate with clarity, conviction, and integrity on behalf of founders and family-owned businesses.

We are seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Director to join our growing firm. As a senior leader, you will be the principal driver of deal execution, client strategy, and team development, all while shaping ArkMalibu’s continued growth across the Midwest.

What You’ll Do

As a Director, you will serve as the day-to-day leader across pitches, active engagements, and firm-level strategic initiatives. Your responsibilities include:

Deal Execution — Lead the Full Sell-Side Lifecycle

• Serve as the primary client point of contact from pitch through close, leading all stages of the M&A process.
• Drive preparation, go-to-market strategy, buyer outreach, diligence, and negotiations with minimal oversight.
• Anticipate client needs, craft strategic solutions, and ensure exceptional quality in all deliverables.
• Lead negotiations with buyers and oversee third-party partners (law firms, accounting firms, consultants) to move transactions toward successful close.
• Manage engagement teams—Associates and Analysts—to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and professional growth.

Business Development — Build and Expand Client Relationships

• Maintain and leverage a strong professional network in the M&A ecosystem (lawyers, wealth managers, business owners, accountants, lenders).
• Generate new business opportunities and convert them into actionable engagements; Directors are expected to originate at least one new client relationship annually.
• Use prior deal success to conduct impactful pitches and communicate ArkMalibu’s differentiated value proposition.
• Attend industry events, cultivate referral partners, and help strengthen the firm’s visibility across the region.
• Oversee preparation of Engagement Letters and NDAs using firm templates.

Operations & Leadership — Drive Firm Growth and Team Excellence

• Oversee Associates’ and Analysts’ day-to-day workflow, contributing to their technical development and career progression.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to implement firmwide strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
• Work closely with the CEO, Partners, and COO on ArkMalibu’s long-term vision and strategic roadmap.
• Serve as a key member of the Investment Committee, contributing informed perspectives on deal strategy and client outcomes.

How You’ll Grow

ArkMalibu embraces an apprenticeship culture where Directors play a central role in shaping the next generation of bankers, as they continue to refine their own leadership capabilities.

• Work hand-in-hand with Partners and the CEO on mission-critical transactions.
• Strengthen your leadership presence by guiding deal teams and mentoring across multiple levels.
• Expand your business development capabilities and establish a meaningful book of business.
• Influence firm strategy, operations, and culture as ArkMalibu continues to scale.
• Position yourself for long-term advancement within a fast-growing, founder-friendly M&A firm.

Who You Are

We’re looking for a senior M&A professional who embodies ArkMalibu’s culture—client-first, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative. Ideal candidates bring:

• 10+ years of experience in M&A, investment banking, private equity, venture capital, consulting, or corporate development.
• Proven ability to manage sophisticated business owners and high-stakes transactions with poise and clarity.
• Experience overseeing and developing junior team members through complex engagements.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple deals and firm initiatives concurrently.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to distill complex information into actionable recommendations.
• A proactive mindset—comfortable working autonomously, solving problems creatively, and driving momentum.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and familiarity with M&A processes, data rooms, and financial deliverables.
• A commitment to ArkMalibu’s core values, culture, and client-centered mission.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred but not required.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re seeking a senior role where you can steer high-impact sell-side transactions, build lasting client relationships, and help develop the next generation of M&A talent, we’d love to meet you.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to mmcclellan@arkmalibu.com.

ArkMalibu is proud to be an Equal Opportunity (EOE) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer.