Deal Associate

Deal Associate | Mergers & Acquisitions | Nashville, TN | $55,000–$70,000 + Commission

Are you an experienced and passionate M&A professional with at least three years of experience and the confidence to guide business owners through high-value, often complex transactions?

Do you have a commercially sharp mind, a strong understanding of EBITDA and financial statements, and the confidence to negotiate effectively with experienced buyers and advisers?

About our company

Benchmark International is a global mergers and acquisitions firm that helps business owners achieve their strategic goals—whether that means selling their business, pursuing growth opportunities, or finding the right strategic partner.

The role

Benchmark International is seeking an experienced Deal Associate to join our Nashville office. This is a fully onsite position, five days a week, and does not offer a remote or hybrid work option.

This is not a back-office M&A role. You will be speaking with business owners, buyers, attorneys, accountants, and internal deal teams every day, helping keep transactions moving from market launch through to closing.

You will initially work closely with a Transaction Director, gaining hands-on experience across the full deal process. As you demonstrate your capabilities, you will take on greater responsibility and ownership of your own clients and transactions.

This is an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in M&A for someone who thrives on negotiation, client relationships, problem-solving, and the pace and intensity of live transactions.

Note: Benchmark International cannot sponsor work visas.

Key Responsibilities

· Manage a portfolio of businesses being marketed for sale

· Build trusted relationships with business owners and potential acquirers

· Keep deals moving through marketing, buyer discussions, LOIs, negotiations, and closing

· Maintain a strong understanding of each client, business, and transaction

· Supervise analysts handling buyer outreach, NDAs, and follow-up activity

· Support and eventually lead negotiations on assigned transactions

· Work closely with clients' attorneys, accountants, and other advisers

· Help develop junior team members and improve internal processes

Benefits

· Commission directly linked to closed-deal revenue

· Annual performance bonus eligibility

· Total compensation potential of up to $100,000

· Medical, dental, vision, and AD&D insurance

· 401(k) with company matching

· PTO, holidays, birthday holidays, and community service days

· FSA, HSA, and dependent care assistance options

The person

We are looking for a very specific skill set. You will need:

· At least three years of relevant M&A or transaction experience

· Bachelor's degree

· Experience in M&A, investment banking, accounting, law, or a closely related field

· Strong understanding of financial statements, EBITDA, and add-backs

· Knowledge of the business sale process

· Strong negotiation and client-management skills

· Confidence handling difficult conversations and transaction setbacks

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to occasionally travel and work outside standard hours

· Ability to obtain a real estate sales associate license within the required

timeframe

Next Steps

If you know how to keep deals moving, build trust with business owners, and negotiate with confidence, apply today to join Benchmark International's Nashville team