Vice President, Head of Origination

Job Title: VP, Head of Origination
Job Description: Origination & Business Development Lead
Location: US-based (co-working subscription available)
Hours: Full-time
Sector: PropTech | Boutique M&A Advisory and Investment Banking
Starting: Immediately
About Lerner Associates
Lerner Associates is a UK-headquartered, cross-border boutique M&A advisory firm and investment bank focused purely on the PropTech industry. We advise SMB and lower mid-market businesses on sell-side M&A, growth capital raises, acquisitions and value creation. The firm has an excellent reputation and presence within the industry, and a very significant and core part of our business is in North America, alongside the UK, Europe and other international markets.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, credible and well-connected Origination & Business Development Lead to own and build out our origination function. The firm runs on two core functions, origination and execution. This role leads origination: putting Lerner Associates in front of the right founders, business owners and investors, building strong relationships, and bringing in new mandates for our execution team.
Your mission will be to proactively source sell-side and growth capital raise mandates by identifying target businesses, building relationships with business owners, leadership teams, and key industry stakeholders, and further cementing our presence within the PropTech ecosystem. You’ll play a key role in expanding our deal pipeline and fostering relationships with potential clients globally, initially focusing on the US, with your scope widening to the UK and European markets as the function grows.
Key Responsibilities
Pipeline Development
Generate qualified leads for potential sell-side mandates through outbound efforts such as cold outreach, warm introductions, and referral networks.
Arrange early introduction meetings with company decision-makers and the firm’s senior team.
Put in place and maintain detailed records of outreach and progress in CRM systems.
Relationship Building
Build relationships with founders, owners, executives, and other key decision-makers in target companies.
Develop credibility and trust by demonstrating industry knowledge and professionalism.
Stay top-of-mind with potential clients through regular, meaningful touchpoints.
Industry Research and Deal Sourcing
Conduct research to identify businesses that meet the firm’s deal criteria in the PropTech sector.
Develop a thorough understanding of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies.
Maintain and expand a target list of high-potential PropTech companies.
Brand Building and Marketing
Build the profile of both the firm and yourself as visible, credible voices in PropTech, mainly through frequent, high-quality LinkedIn content.
Develop and run the firm’s marketing activity from the ground up, including thought leadership, deal announcements and, potentially, a newsletter.
Use marketing to generate warm inbound interest and to support outbound outreach.
Networking and Event Participation
Attend industry conferences, networking events, and trade shows across the US, UK, and Europe to meet new contacts and represent the firm.
Strategic Collaboration
Work closely with internal deal teams to align sourcing efforts with the bank’s broader strategy and criteria.
Provide feedback on market trends, company needs, and potential opportunities.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Gravitas and Presence
You have natural gravitas and the ability to connect with people, gain trust and build credibility quickly with founders, CEOs and investors.
You thrive in social environments and build genuine, long-lasting relationships.
An established profile and network within PropTech is a strong advantage.
Commercially Astute
You have strong commercial awareness. An understanding of the investment banking and M&A world is a big plus.
PropTech experience is preferred but not required. You should be able to get up to speed quickly and speak credibly about the sector.
Proactive and Self-Motivated
You are driven to achieve results, take initiative, and consistently exceed goals.
You enjoy working independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Organized and Strategic
You excel at managing multiple priorities, tracking outreach efforts, and ensuring follow-ups don’t slip through the cracks.
You have a strategic mindset, always seeking ways to add value to the team and our clients.
Qualifications and Skills
Around 10 years of professional experience in roles such as tech M&A, Private Equity, Corporate Development origination, deal sourcing, account management, sales, business development, or pipeline generation.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Willingness to travel frequently across the US, UK, and Europe to attend events and meet with potential clients. Travel within the US is expected to be at least once per month and to Europe approximately once or twice a year.
A strong interest in PropTech, innovation in the built world, and emerging technologies.
Proficiency in CRM software and tools to manage pipeline activity.
Good understanding of, or a degree in, business, finance, real estate, or a related field is preferred, but not required.
Experience building a professional brand or audience, particularly on LinkedIn, is a strong advantage.
Why Join Us?
Be part of a growing boutique investment bank in a fast-evolving and exciting sector.
Gain exposure to global markets and play a pivotal role in driving deal flow.
Work with a small collaborative team that values initiative, innovation, and relationship-building.
Flexible and remote work hours.
Aside from personal remuneration, get bonused on every team transaction sharing in team success.
Have a clear path to a senior leadership role and the opportunity to build and lead a team.
If you are an outgoing, personable individual with a talent for building relationships and generating business opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Work arrangement
Yes