(Business) Development Director

(Business) Development Director – International Education Location: Europe (with significant international travel c50%+)Sector: International K–12 Education | Private Equity–Backed We are working exclusively with a fast-growing, private equity–backed education group that offers a truly rare opportunity to join a high-performing international platform. The Group operates a portfolio of 30+ premium, fee-paying schools across Europe, Latin America, and North America and is ambitious with their buy-and-build growth strategy. As the organisation continues to scale, it is strengthening its in-house investment capability and is now seeking an experienced (Business) Development Director to lead the global sourcing and origination of new acquisition opportunities. The Role Reporting directly to the CIO, the Development Director will be a central figure in the Group's next chapter of growth. You will drive the origination of new investment opportunities across Europe, South America, North America and the Middle East. With full ownership of the sourcing funnel, you will identify high-quality opportunities, earn the trust of school owners and work alongside senior members of the business to bring transactions to completion to support the continued expansion of the business. What You'll Do Identify priority regions and Schools of interest aligned with the Company's strategy Lead end-to-end origination, including research, outreach and initial engagement Establish contact with founders and owners through multiple channels, including personal networks, advisors, conferences and direct approaches Conduct first-pass screening of opportunities, assessing educational quality, reputation, enrolment trends, fees and regulatory context Build long-term, trust-based relationships with School owners, often over extended time horizons Position as the preferred long-term partner and, with senior support, persuade owners to sell or partner with the Company when the time is right Work closely with the investment team and MD's of regions throughout diligence, negotiations and transaction execution Travel extensively across target regions to meet owners on their terms Who We're Looking For This role is best suited to a seasoned, highly relational deal originator who thrives in complex, people-driven situations. You are likely to bring: Proven experience sourcing proprietary investment opportunities and supporting transactions through to completion Strong commercial judgement, familiarity with M&A processes and an understanding of how private companies are valued An appreciation for founder-owned, family-run businesses and the emotional dynamics involved in succession or sale Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the credibility and empathy to earn the trust of school owners A highly organised, systematic and target-driven approach to managing a large investment pipeline Persistence and resilience – approaching relentless – in opening doors and maintaining engagement Outstanding communication and influencing skills Experience in the private education sector is strongly preferred. An educational leadership background (for example, having led or worked in a school) would be highly attractive, though not essential. Languages & Travel Fluent English is essential Conversational Spanish is strongly preferred, other European languages are beneficial Located in Madrid is preferred but not essential The role involves significant international travel, often weekly and c50%+. Why Join ?This is a rare chance to join a private equity–backed education platform at a defining stage of its growth. Sitting at the heart of the expansion strategy, the role offers significant responsibility, close partnership with senior leadership and exceptional, performance-driven rewards