Head of Estates (Retail)
UK-Based | Senior Leadership Role
We are acting on behalf of a well-established, multi-brand UK retailer to appoint a Head of Estates into a senior leadership role within its Property function. This is a confidential search for a commercially astute estates professional who will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering an ambitious retail property strategy.
With a substantial and growing retail portfolio and clear plans for continued expansion, this appointment is critical. The successful individual will be a key stakeholder at senior level, influencing long-term business performance through proactive estate management, cost control and value creation.
The Opportunity Reporting into the senior leadership team, the Head of Estates will lead a team responsible for the day-to-day management of a large, geographically diverse UK retail estate (700+ stores) across multiple well-known high street brands.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, able to set direction, influence at Board level, and step in to resolve complex retail property issues when required.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, mentor and develop a team of Estates Managers responsible for the retail portfolio
* Take ownership of all key retail lease events, ensuring they are proactively identified, allocated and managed
* Personally oversee and conclude rent reviews, lease renewals and re-gears from inception to completion
* Prepare and present Board-level papers with clear commercial recommendations
* Manage and resolve landlord and tenant disputes efficiently, minimising cost and disruption to trading stores
* Ensure retail property operational issues are resolved quickly to protect sales and brand performance
* Balance commercial risk and reward, making sound decisions aligned to long-term financial objectives
* Ensure property costs remain aligned with lease liabilities and broader business strategy
* Maintain full accountability for the integrity and effectiveness of the property database
* Manage external advisers and professional teams effectively
Candidate Profile
* Proven experience in a senior estates management role within retail
* Strong background managing large, multi-site retail portfolios
* Exceptional negotiation capability with a clear track record of delivering commercial value
* Experience of retail acquisitions and disposals highly desirable
* Confident managing complex landlord, tenant and third-party professional relationships
* Comfortable operating at Board and senior stakeholder level
Key Skills & Attributes
* Highly commercial, results-driven mindset
* Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and drive performance
* Pragmatic, decisive and comfortable managing ambiguity
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Highly organised with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines
* Change-oriented, with the resilience to push through transformation
* Strong IT and data literacy
* Professionally qualified (MRICS or equivalent preferred)
Why This Role? This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a major UK retail estate within a business that values its property function as a strategic lever for growth and profitability. The role offers genuine influence, visibility and the chance to shape the future of a significant retail portfolio.