Business Agent - Retail - Manchester

Christie & Co GmbH; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading business advisory firm based in Manchester is seeking a driven Business Agent to manage the full lifecycle of convenience retail business sales. The ideal candidate will possess strong negotiation skills and experience in estate agency, along with proficiency in IT systems. This role involves client-facing responsibilities, business generation, and team collaboration, offering a supportive environment for career growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial or residential estate agency.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Proven ability to negotiate and sell effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support and grow brokerage activity across the retail sector.
• Generate new business through outbound prospecting.
• Negotiate deals and manage the sales process.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

IT proficiency

Ability to work under pressure

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

About Christie & Co

We are the leading specialist advisor for buying and selling businesses in our sectors – convenience retail, leisure, pubs, restaurants, hotels, medical, childcare, and healthcare. With 90 years of expertise and 40 years having a Manchester Office base, we offer professional brokerage and advisory services, our team has a network of 11 offices in the UK along with 11 in Europe. We pride ourselves in our high standards, client centric experience and vision for growth supported by a rich heritage.

Purpose of the Role We’re looking for a driven and enthusiastic Business Agent to join our growing Retail team, based in our Manchester office. This role is open to both experienced agents and those ready to take the next step in their career. You’ll manage the full lifecycle of convenience retail business sales across the North West of England — from lead generation and instruction processing to deal completion.

You’ll be client-facing, acting as the first point of contact in any sale, and responsible for identifying, qualifying, and engaging buyers across the region. Whether you’re already successful in commercial property or business agency, or a high performer in B2B field sales looking to grow in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, we’ll provide the support and structure to help you succeed.

About the Team

This role reports directly to our Regional Director and ultimately to the Sector Managing Director. You’ll collaborate closely with regional fee earners, finance and insurance brokers, support staff, and central teams including IT and Marketing. You’ll also be encouraged to build your own relationships with stakeholders across your territory.

Our Retail team is dynamic and collaborative, with a strong track record in business sales across convenience retail, forecourts, and roadside assets. We work with a diverse client base — from independent operators to national brands — and pride ourselves on delivering expert, proactive, and results-driven advice.

Responsibilities

• Support and grow our brokerage activity across the retail sector.
• Generate new business and win agency mandates through predominantly outbound prospecting and relationship building, travelling within the North West.
• Register and manage client requirements using our Salesforce CRM system.
• Assist with listing, marketing, and managing opportunities for sale.
• Negotiate deals and manage the sales process through to completion.
• Provide regular updates to clients on instruction activity.
• Support marketing campaigns including email, letter and telephone outreach.
• Assist with viewings, offer administration, and compliance checks, reporting accurately on time.
• Contribute to team pitches, events, client meetings and networking events, sometimes across the country.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from candidates with or without business transfer experience. Ideally, you’ll have:

• Experience in commercial or residential estate agency
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proactive, accountable, and well-organised approach to work
• Confident using IT systems, including Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with solid numeracy and literacy skills
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
• Proven ability to negotiate and sell effectively

Personal Characteristics

• Charismatic, polite, self-motivated, and resilient.
• Professional, confident, and an articulate communicator.
• Able to work under pressure, follow a structured sales process, and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently, using initiative, and contributing positively to a team.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, high-volume sales environment.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a positive response to change.
• Strong organisational skills and able to effectively prioritise workload.

Please apply today, or for more information, contact: [e-mail]

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.