Key Responsibilities
Property Strategy & Estate Planning
Develop and deliver a 3-year property strategy aligned with retail and service growth targets
Lead estate optimisation initiatives including relocations, refits, rightsizing, and closures
Use retail performance data and insights to inform strategic property decisions
Identify and secure new shop opportunities in target locations
Proactively identify property-related risks and implement mitigation strategies
Acquisitions & Disposals
Source, evaluate, and negotiate new retail premises
Lead lease negotiations, renewals, rent reviews, break options, and regears
Manage shop closures and disposals while minimising financial exposure
Appoint and manage external agents, surveyors, and legal advisors
Lease & Estate Management
Ensure effective management of lease events and critical dates
Maintain accurate and up-to-date property records and systems
Manage service charge budgets and challenge costs where appropriate
Build and manage strong landlord relationships
Facilities & Compliance
Ensure statutory compliance across the estate (H&S, fire safety, asbestos, EPCs, etc.)
Oversee planned and reactive maintenance programmes
Manage facilities management providers and contractors
Ensure all locations are safe, compliant, and customer-friendly environments
Financial Management
Prepare and manage the property budget (rent, rates, service charge, utilities, maintenance)
Ensure procurement compliance in line with organisational policy (knowledge of public procurement / eTenders advantageous)
Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities
Develop business cases for new sites and capital investment
Support income growth through strategic estate development
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Lead, coach, and develop the property function
Partner closely with Retail Operations, Finance, and Senior Leadership teams
Present property strategies, updates, and investment cases to Executive and Board level
Support regional and area managers on property-related matters
Person Specification
Essential Experience
Degree qualification in Property Management or related discipline
Significant senior-level property or estate management experience (multi-site retail preferred)
Proven track record in lease negotiations and rent reviews
Experience managing a geographically dispersed portfolio
Experience delivering retail and/or office fit-outs
Strong financial and budget management capability
Experience working with landlords, agents, and legal advisors
Solid knowledge of property compliance and health & safety legislation
Desirable Experience
Experience within retail sector
Understanding of retail KPIs and trading performance metrics
Experience managing mixed-use or warehouse properties
Professional qualification (MSCSI / MRICS)
Skills & Competencies
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
Analytical and data-driven decision-making ability
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
Ability to balance mission impact with commercial returns
Resilient, proactive, and solutions-focused
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Property cost ratio vs retail income
Delivery of favourable lease renewals and negotiations
Estate growth aligned to retail strategy
Reduction in void costs and dilapidation liabilities
Compliance performance and audit outcomes
Delivery of capital projects on time and within budget
Additional Requirements
Full, clean driving licence
Willingness to travel nationwide
Flexibility to work outside standard hours when required
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