Join a leading South African JSE Listed Group specialising in the importation and distribution of a broad range of high-quality branded industrial, electronic and various other consumer-related products, mainly in the Southern African Region. These products are mainly sourced from leading international manufacturers and to a lesser extent from local manufacturers. Niche area markets are sought out where there are customer needs and where these customers are prepared to pay for the value add that the Group imparts on these products. The value added includes product specifications, technical advice, application and installation training as well as trouble shooting. There are a network of specialised Branches and Independent Distributors throughout Southern Africa to ensure product availability to its customers. It should be noted that due to the dynamic nature of the Groups Executives there are on-going acquisitions by an existing Acquisition Manager (who will be retiring) to continue the growth path of the Groups trajectory. The successful candidate will drive this inorganic growth by identifying, evaluating and executing acquisitions that will expand product portfolios and supply networks. Key performance areas, inter alia, include: Identify and evaluate acquisition targets within the importation and distribution value chain, e.g., Wholesalers, Niche Product Distributors and Value Added Service Providers. Conduct detailed market analysis across regions & competitors as well as building relationships with Advisors, Brokers and Industry Stakeholders. This will naturally create a robust acquisition pipeline aligned with the Group growth strategy. Lead end-to-end transaction execution including valuation, negotiation and closing acquisition deals. Naturally the candidate will oversee comprehensive due diligence and maintain financial models e.g. DCF. Prepare investment motivation documents for the Board and Shareholders in line with JSE requirements and ensure compliance with regulatory framework. Partner with Executive Leadership on integration planning and execution. Apply technical requirements for acquisition including calculating the allocation of purchase price to tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill as well as estimating vendor liabilities etc. Track post-acquistion performance against pre-acquisition expectations and any other requirements that may arise in this specialised and key position within the Group. Requirements: Bachelors Degree which may be in Finance, Accounting or similar, for example, be a CA (SA), MBA or CFA. In addition, experience in executing small or mid-range transactions in M&A and from any of the following sectors which would be recommended although not a prerequisite, viz, Corporate Finance, Investment Banking or Private Equity. The role requires strong financial aptitude, well developed negotiation skills and understanding the mindset of Entrepreneurs, regulatory awareness and the ability to operate within a listed Group governance framework. Technical skills required will include advanced financial modelling and valuation, strong understanding of importation and distribution businesses, knowledge of JSE & Corporate Governance Standards, sound understanding of competition legislation and familiarity with IFRS. Key competencies include strategic thinking coupled with commercial acumen, high attention to detail & risk awareness, integrity and sound judgement including handling sensitive & confidential information.