The Property Acquisition Manager plays a key role at Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries. You will work closely with the Franchise Acquisitions Manager and SLT to expand our portfolio of nurseries. You will be responsible for expanding and managing our current network of properties. You will be involved in the full acquisition cycle, from initial identification through to ongoing asset management. Along the way, you will develop and maintain relationships with key third parties, such as agents, landlords and developers. Key Responsibilities Use your network to identify properties suitable for children's day nursery use Build your network of agents across the UK to identify sites in line with the agreed strategy Work with the directors to assess the feasibility of new sites and make recommendations on suitability Undertake site inspections and development appraisals Manage the site, legal and planning due diligence on all opportunities Effectively manage the relationship between franchisees, stakeholders, external consultants and contractors, ensuring clear and transparent communication between the parties Create and maintain openings critical path timeline/programme / Gantt (feasibility, design, build, fit-out, snagging, handover) charts Maintain records and ensure rent reviews, lease renewals and estate management issues are dealt with in a timely manner Prepare ad-hoc reports for the wider team, detailing any necessary property and programme updates Appoint and manage relationships with external consultants and oversee their work, including architects, project managers, surveyors, contractors and external suppliers Attend both pre-start & debrief meetings with all relevant stakeholders where required and collate learnings for future projects Ensure departmental processes are reviewed regularly for efficiency Provide strong and inspiring leadership to other members of the Property Team, ensuring that the team has the right level of skills, qualifications, and experience to deliver the Monkey Puzzle property strategy effectively Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Salary dependent on experience & knowledge. Degree-level education or comparable qualification ideally in a property relevant discipline Ideally qualified MRICS Experience of freehold and leasehold property acquisitions Large network of property agents and professionals Strong negotiating skills Sound commercial acumen Excellent communication and organisational skills A highly analytical mind Confidence to be able to work independently and self-motivated, with flexibility to work well as part of a team Strong Microsoft Office skills A full driving licence and the flexibility to travel throughout the UK. Sites are located primarily in London and the South East Property Management: 1 year (required) Licence/Certification: Driving Licence (required) Benefits Benefits Enhanced maternity leave Life Assurance Scheme Private medical insurance/ 24/7 Doctor at Hand Wellbeing Support Finish early on a Friday! Flexible working: Work from home (days TBC) Additional Annual Leave: 25 days Bank holidays Berkhamsted Safeguarding Statement Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries are committed to Keeping children safe; therefore, it is necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record Disclosure and Barred check to be undertaken. All posts involving direct contact with children and vulnerable adults are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected'. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. All candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions, you may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure & Barring Service before your employment commences.