Manager, Acquisitions & Business Development

Circle K•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Manager, Acquisitions & Business Development proactively sources acquisition opportunities involving operating convenience stores, gas stations, and small multi-site portfolios within an assigned territory. The role develops off-market and marketed opportunities through direct outreach, networking, broker relationships, referrals, industry contacts, and market intelligence, while building long-term relationships with business owners and operators. The Manager qualifies opportunities by evaluating store performance, real estate, fuel arrangements, competitive positioning, capital requirements, seller expectations, valuation, and transaction economics. The role leads early-stage discussions and negotiations, partners with internal teams to assess opportunities, prepares recommendations and presentations for management approval, and coordinates due diligence and transaction activities through closing. It also maintains seller relationships and a disciplined prospect pipeline, develops detailed knowledge of the assigned territory, and represents Circle K professionally and confidentially. Regular travel throughout the territory, including overnight travel as necessary, is required. Success in the position means consistently identifying targets, initiating conversations with owners, developing seller relationships, building a qualified pipeline, and converting opportunities into transactions that support Circle K’s growth. The work is performed independently with periodic supervision in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines. Regular interaction with business owners, brokers, internal stakeholders, and external consultants is expected. The role’s physical demands include extended sitting, computer and telephone use, reaching forward or overhead, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. The work environment generally has moderate noise and a mix of natural and fluorescent lighting.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in acquisitions, business development, investment sales, commercial brokerage, M&A origination, business brokerage, or another transaction-oriented role involving proactive deal sourcing.
Demonstrated success generating opportunities through cold calling, direct outreach, networking, and relationship development.
Strong business and financial acumen, including the ability to understand operating performance, valuation, real estate, and transaction economics.
Ability to build relationships with business owners and advance opportunities from initial contact through negotiation and transaction execution.
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, including confidence engaging with business owners, brokers, and senior executives.
Self-motivated and persistent, with the ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial, results-oriented environment.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a large prospect pipeline and multiple active transactions simultaneously.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard business applications.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned territory, including overnight travel as necessary.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, or a related field; relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education.
Experience sourcing and developing off-market opportunities.
Experience in convenience retail, petroleum, multi-unit retail, commercial real estate, investment sales, or other fragmented owner-operated industries.
Knowledge of convenience store, petroleum, or retail real estate industries.

Responsibilities

Proactively source acquisition opportunities involving operating convenience stores, gas stations, and small multi-site portfolios in an assigned territory.
Generate leads through cold calling, direct owner outreach, networking, brokers, industry contacts, referrals, and market intelligence.
Identify and research prospective acquisition targets, owners, independent operators, and regional chains.
Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective sellers, including owners not actively marketing their businesses.
Develop long-term relationships with business owners and operators to position Circle K as a preferred acquirer.
Qualify opportunities by evaluating store performance, real estate, fuel arrangements, competitive positioning, capital requirements, and seller expectations.
Lead early-stage acquisition discussions and negotiate valuation, transaction structure, and key business terms with owners, brokers, and representatives.
Partner with Finance, Operations, Fuels, Legal, Real Estate, Construction, Environmental, and other stakeholders to evaluate opportunities.
Provide information and guidance for financial analysis and acquisition recommendations for management approval.
Prepare and present acquisition opportunities, transaction rationale, and key deal considerations for internal review and approval.
Coordinate purchase agreements, due diligence, environmental review, licensing, escrow, and closing activities with internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain seller relationships throughout the acquisition process and help resolve issues affecting transaction execution.
Manage the pipeline with discipline and follow up consistently with prospective targets.
Develop knowledge of the assigned territory, including operators, ownership structures, transactions, competition, and market valuations.
Represent Circle K professionally and confidentially with external stakeholders.
Travel throughout the assigned territory to meet owners, evaluate opportunities, conduct market reviews, and support transactions.
Perform other duties as necessary to support Circle K’s acquisition and growth objectives.