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Sr. Manager, Corporate Development ACE (WagWay Group)

Washington D.C. / Baltimore

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 industries essential to economic growth and resilience. For more information, please visit www.accessholdings.com.

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.

Candidates (“ACEs”) join the ACE Program as members of an Access portfolio company, directly supporting and reporting to executives in key functions including Lead Generation, Revenue Operations, Digital / Business Intelligence, Finance, M&A / Corporate Development, Strategy, and Marketing. ACEs are expected to improve, execute, and document best practices within the key roles, developing a meaningful operational skillset.

ACEs will attend and participate in Access networking events, training sessions, and summits with other executives and ACEs across the Access portfolio. ACEs will work with Access to build skillsets, report out to other ACEs, develop playbooks, and provide insights to executives where appropriate. They will leverage key learnings across the current and future portfolio, while also driving projects and new investment opportunities. Top performers will have career path opportunities within their respective portfolio company and/or across other areas of the Access Holdings ecosystem.

 

Company Overview:

WagWay Group is a PE-backed pet clubs and wellness company with operating brands across the U.S. WagWay was established to build a national, contemporary network of leading pet wellness providers in attractive markets. WagWay 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 the combination of 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 WagWay 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.

 

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.
  • Analyze and provide data to support recommendations for sale-leasebacks, acquisitions, dispositions, REIT formation, hold versus sell analysis, market studies, highest and best use analysis or other related strategies
  • 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.
  • Conduct market and competitive intelligence to inform decision-making and capital allocation.
  • Provide project management of site development
  • 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
  • 7+ years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, private equity, corporate strategy, corporate development, or similar roles.
  • Multi-unit and/or retail real estate experience required
  • REIT (public and/or private) experience strongly preferred
  • Legal background and capital markets experience preferred
  • Proven track record leading M&A transactions, strategic transformation in a multi-location or consumer-facing business.
  • Strong financial modeling and valuation experience; proficiency with Excel and data visualization tools
  • Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication abilities, including experience developing board-ready materials
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward execution, ownership, and adaptability.
  • Ability to balance big picture thinking with detailed execution.
  • High emotional intelligence, low ego, and collaborative leadership style
  • Fast learner with a desire to move with urgency, accountability, and intent
  • Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage day-to-day real estate development activities
  • Persistent focus on innovative management and operational processes to optimize efficiency
  • Innovative and creative thinker with the ability to drive best practices
  • Ability to drive change
  • Comprehension of negotiation processes poised to achieve optimal outcomes

 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

WagWay provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that a diverse team is a better team. The perspectives and experiences that people from different backgrounds bring to a company drive better decisions and improved results. WagWay is committed to a culture of inclusion and believes that diversity drives the best results.

 

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