About the job
Kingsley is instructed by a leading national retailer for an experienced Head of Estates to join a growing and forward-thinking retail business with an extensive UK property portfolio.
With ambitious expansion plans and a portfolio already in excess of 700+ retail properties, this is a key leadership role within the Property function, offering the chance to make a real strategic and operational impact.
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, the Head of Estates will lead a team of Estates Managers responsible for the day to day management of a large, multi brand retail estate. The role requires a hands on, commercially astute leader who is comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
You will be a key stakeholder in driving the business's growth strategy, ensuring property costs are controlled, risks are managed, and lease events are proactively handled.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop and motivate a team of Estates Managers
- Take ownership of the retail property portfolio, ensuring operational issues are minimised and costs are mitigated
- Monitor and manage key lease events, allocating workload appropriately
- Manage rent reviews and lease renewals from inception to conclusion
- Resolve landlord and tenant disputes promptly, minimising cost and business disruption
- Address operational property issues swiftly and efficiently across the store network
- Prepare and present Board papers for senior management and Directors
- Make and implement commercial decisions, balancing risk with long term financial objectives
- Ensure property costs align with lease liabilities
- Maintain overall responsibility for the property database
- Manage relationships with landlords, tenants, and third party professional advisors
Experience Required
- Significant experience in a senior Estates / Estate Management role, ideally within retail
- Strong track record of commercial negotiation, delivering positive outcomes
- Experience managing lease renewals, rent reviews, and lease events at scale
- Exposure to acquisition and disposal of retail premises (desirable)
- Experience managing third party consultants and professional teams
- Proven ability to build and sustain strong internal and external relationships
Skills & Attributes
- Highly commercial and results driven
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Hands on, resilient, adaptable, and determined approach
- Excellent organisation, planning, and prioritisation skills
- Proactive, open communicator with strong influencing skills
- Comfortable driving change and delivering outcomes in a fast paced environment
- IT literate
- Relevant professional qualification (e.g. MRICS or equivalent) advantageous
Remuneration & Benefits includes:
- Competitive Basic Salary - Upon Request
- Company Car Allowance
- Pension
- 30 Days Holiday,
- and more
If you are an experienced Estates leader looking for your next strategic challenge, I'd be keen to speak with you.
If you wish to receive a copy of the full Job Description, or apply for this position, then please contact Andrew Kingsley MRICS on or email
(REF: AK)