Business Development Analyst

Junior Business Development & Acquisitions Analyst

Location: Newport Beach, CA

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Onsite Monday–Thursday | Remote Fridays

Build Relationships. Discover Opportunities. Learn How Deals Get Done.

KCG Search is partnering with a growing investment and acquisition-focused organization seeking an ambitious, personable, and entrepreneurial Junior Business Development & Acquisitions Analyst to join its Newport Beach team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional interested in business development, private equity, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and corporate growth strategy.

Working directly with senior leadership, you'll help identify potential acquisition targets, build relationships with business owners and industry professionals, and develop a pipeline of new investment opportunities.

You'll also gain firsthand exposure to real transactions, participate in business meetings, and attend industry conferences.

This isn't a traditional financial analyst position. We're looking for someone who enjoys connecting with people, initiating conversations, conducting research, and turning opportunities into relationships.

What You'll Do

• Identify and research potential acquisition targets across multiple industries.
• Conduct outbound outreach through phone calls, email, LinkedIn, and professional networking.
• Develop relationships with business owners, brokers, investment bankers, and referral partners.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of acquisition prospects and business development opportunities.
• Research companies, industries, market trends, and potential investment opportunities.
• Support acquisition due diligence by gathering and analyzing business and financial information.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and market summaries for senior leadership.
• Participate in meetings with business owners, industry professionals, and executives.
• Leverage AI tools and technology to streamline research and sourcing.
• Research and attend relevant business, financial, M&A, and industry conferences, including events in manufacturing, industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device sectors.
• Support strategic growth initiatives and special projects involving portfolio companies.
• Travel as needed for conferences, networking, and business meetings.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of professional experience preferred; recent graduates with strong internships are encouraged to apply.
• Genuine interest in business development, acquisitions, private equity, investments, or entrepreneurship.
• Outgoing, confident communicator who enjoys meeting people and building professional relationships.
• Comfortable conducting outbound outreach and initiating conversations with business owners.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated, curious, resourceful, and eager to learn.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

A Plus, But Not Required: Experience or internships in sales, business development, banking, brokerage, investment research, or another client-facing environment. Familiarity with AI productivity tools and financial research platforms is also helpful.

Why This Opportunity?

• Direct Access to Leadership: Work alongside experienced executives and learn how acquisition decisions are made.
• Real M&A Exposure: Gain firsthand experience in acquisition sourcing, research, due diligence, and business transactions.
• Career Development: Build valuable skills across business development, investment research, and corporate strategy.
• Networking & Travel: Attend industry conferences and develop relationships with business owners and investment professionals.
• Collaborative Environment: Enjoy a Newport Beach office setting, remote Fridays, and catered lunches three days per week.

Ready to Build Your Career?

If you're ambitious, outgoing, and excited about learning how businesses are identified, evaluated, and acquired, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to explore an opportunity that combines business development, investment research, and real-world deal experience.