Location: Kirby Muxloe, Leicester (LE9 2BJ) Coverage: UK & Northern Ireland (travel required) Reporting to: Head of Property Direct Reports: Property Coordinators (where applicable)
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially driven Senior Estates Manager to take ownership of our circa 300-store UK and NI retail estate within a fast-paced discount retail environment. This is a pivotal role focused on reducing occupancy costs, maximising lease flexibility, and ensuring our estate supports a high‑performing, cost‑efficient trading model. You will lead all lease‑related activity and play a key role in shaping the long‑term profitability and resilience of the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
* Lease Event Management & Value Optimisation: Lead all lease events across the estate including rent reviews, renewals, break options, regears, and expiries. Maintain a proactive lease events pipeline to protect value and maximise flexibility. Negotiate rent reductions, turnover‑based rent structures, and improved lease terms aligned to the business model. Challenge service charges and non‑recoverable costs to drive efficiency. Manage landlord relationships while maintaining a strong commercial stance on cost control. Lead escalated lease disputes in collaboration with legal advisors where required.
* Portfolio Performance & Strategy: Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to assess store performance and inform property decisions. Support strategic initiatives including store closures, relocations, downsizing, and new openings based on profitability.
* Financial Oversight: Own and maintain the rent roll, ensuring accuracy and alignment with budgets. Deliver measurable savings against occupancy cost targets. Support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with clear insight into estate liabilities and opportunities.
* Data, Systems & Compliance: Ensure full integrity of lease data across property management systems. Track all critical lease events and deadlines to mitigate risk and avoid missed opportunities. Oversee dilapidations strategy to minimise exit costs.
Qualifications
* Degree in Real Estate, Property Management, or equivalent experience.
* MRICS qualified (preferred but not essential).
Experience
* Proven experience managing large retail estates (discount retail, grocery, or high‑volume retail preferred).
* Strong track record of delivering rent reductions and favourable lease negotiations.
* Experience operating in a commercially driven, cost‑sensitive environment.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Expert understanding of Landlord & Tenant legislation.
* Strong commercial acumen with a focus on cost control and value creation.
* Confident negotiator with resilience and commercial toughness.
* Ability to manage a large, complex, and fast‑moving portfolio.
* Detail‑focused with strong financial and analytical capability.
* Pragmatic, solution‑oriented approach to problem solving.
Colleague Benefits
* 10% Colleague Discount, with enhanced discount events throughout the year.
* 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays.
* Group Life Assurance.
* Private medical insurance.
* Free onsite parking.
* Auto‑enrolment pension scheme.
* My Staff Shop, offering a wide range of discounts and shopping vouchers.
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