Head of Estates – National Retailer
UK Based - Senior Leadership Role
Competitive salary – upon Request
(Plus, Company Car & other benefits)
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 07879 413 765 or email andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk
(REF: AK3511803)