Sr. Manager of Corporate Development ACE

Sr. Manager of Corporate Development ACE

Access Holdings is a next‑generation alternative asset manager providing investors with access to the lower‑middle market. Founded in 2013, Access Holdings has approximately $2.3 billion in assets under management. The firm implements its systematic research and data‑driven operating model – The Access Edge – to partner with lower‑middle market businesses in essential industries to economic growth and resilience.

Access Executive Development Program Overview: Access is seeking exceptional individuals for the Access Creating Executives Program (“ACE Program”). ACE roles provide hands‑on experience and exposure to key operational best practices and tactics of Access’ portfolio strategy execution.

Company Overview: Wag Way Group is a PE‑backed pet clubs and wellness company with operating brands across the U.S. Wag Way was established to build a national, contemporary network of leading pet wellness providers in attractive markets. Wag Way pet centers offer daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and vet services under a comprehensive model. The Company aspires to set the standard for pet wellness through service excellence, innovation, and pet health monitoring.

Job Summary: The Senior Manager, Corporate Development, will be a key strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for driving growth through mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and new market expansion. This highly analytical and execution‑oriented leader will identify, evaluate, and manage corporate development opportunities that align with Wag Way Group’s long‑term strategic plan. This role combines strategic insight with hands‑on execution – ideal for a resourceful, data‑driven leader eager to influence growth and value creation.

This role is part of the Access Holdings ACE Program.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Identify, assess, and execute potential acquisitions, partnerships, and new market opportunities.
• Lead financial modeling, valuation analyses, due diligence coordination and deal execution.
• Prepare and review investment memos, letters of intent and report on investment pipeline activities.
• Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to develop post‑merger integration plan.
• Support the CEO and executive team in shaping the Company’s multi‑year growth strategy and business model evolution. Develop and track KPIs and growth metrics tied to strategic initiatives.
• Develop and manage a proactive deal origination strategy… build relationships with brokers, owners, and regional operators to identify high‑quality acquisition opportunities aligned with growth priorities.
• Drive top‑of‑funnel activity… source, evaluate, and qualify new leads that convert to actionable acquisition targets, ensuring a strong and sustainable deal pipeline.
• Cultivate a network of industry contacts and referral sources.
• Conduct market and competitive intelligence to inform decision‑making and capital allocation.
• Build executive‑ready reports and dashboards highlighting growth performance, deal pipeline status, and ROI of strategic initiatives. Support the creation of board and investor materials for strategic updates.
• Partner with Finance, Operations and Marketing executive team to align value creation priorities. Lead special projects or task forces focused on strategic partnerships, operational improvements or expansion initiatives.
• Prepare and present strategic recommendations to executive leadership, Access Holdings and external partners. Ensure clarity and alignment across all key stakeholders during deal execution and integration.
• Collaborate with Access Holdings and peer ACEs to cross‑pollinate strategies and share playbooks across the portfolio.
• Attend ACE training and leadership events.
• All other duties as assigned.

Professional

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required in business, finance, economics or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in management corporate finance, investment banking, private equity, corporate strategy, corporate development, or similar roles.
• Legal background and capital markets experience preferred.
• Proven track record leading M&A transactions, strategic…