Head of Acquisitions – Retail Expansion (UK-wide)
Full-time | £Negotiable
Are you ready to lead strategic property expansion for a fast-growing retail brand? A dynamic and ambitious retail business – operating nationally and opening new flagship locations across the UK – is seeking a Head of Acquisitions to define, drive and deliver its next phase of store growth.
What you’ll be doing
* Develop and implement a comprehensive UK-wide expansion strategy, in line with the business’s growth ambitions.
* Identify high-priority markets and regions, analyse current site performance and refine location strategy for optimal returns.
* Create and manage a pipeline of new site opportunities aligned to annual opening targets.
* Source, evaluate and assess potential retail locations using demographic, economic and competitive data.
* Negotiate lease terms, purchase agreements and partner relationships with landlords, brokers and external agents.
* Oversee and coach external real estate agents to ensure excellent delivery, efficiency and alignment to the business’s objectives.
* Lead due diligence: site visits, planning reviews, financial modelling, risk analysis and legal/regulatory compliance.
* Manage acquisition budgets, forecast costs and track expenditure to ensure strategic goals are met.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Property, Finance, Marketing, Operations) to ensure seamless integration of new locations.
* Continuously monitor market trends, competitor activity and best-practice acquisition processes — and drive improvement.
About you
* Bachelor’s degree (Real Estate, Business Administration or related) or equivalent experience.
* 3-5+ years’ experience in retail site acquisition (or similar function) with a proven track record of negotiating favourable terms and securing optimal locations.
* Strong analytical skills: you can interpret complex market data, produce investment appraisal documentation and present business cases to senior leadership.
* Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills: you’ll engage with landlords, brokers, internal stakeholders and external agents.
* Ability and willingness to travel extensively across the UK, and manage a flexible workload.
* Proficiency in real estate software/tools and comfortable working in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
What you’ll get
* An opportunity to shape the growth of a market-leading retail brand.
* Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme and other lifestyle benefits.
* Staff discount and other exclusive retail-partner perks.
* A collaborative, high-energy environment where you’ll work with senior leaders and directly influence the business’s success.
If you’re ready to step into a pivotal role where you’ll drive location strategy and deliver real impact, we’d love to hear from you.