Do you have experience leading and mentoring a multidisciplinary property team? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. Clarks seeks someone keen to oversee and manage the entire property portfolio within the UK, ROI, and Europe regions. The scope includes real estate investments, development projects, and facilities management. This leadership role involves strategic planning, acquisition, development, leasing, and maintenance of all properties. The Head of Properties will ensure that the property assets align with the business goals, deliver optimal returns, and meet all regulatory and safety standards. The Head of Properties will manage the overall Properties team of Estates, Facilities and Property Design. Portfolio size is c300 properties. We have a hybrid working model and you will be expected to work at our Head Office in Street, Somerset on a regular basis.
What You'll Be Doing
Strategic Planning & Management:
* Develop and execute the property portfolio strategy in line with the overall business objectives.
* Identify opportunities for expansion, optimisation, and improvement of the property portfolio.
* Lead long-term planning efforts, including real estate acquisition, development, and divestment strategies.
Property Acquisition & Development:
* Oversee the identification and acquisition of new properties, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
* Manage property development projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, design, construction, and project management.
* Coordinate with external consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Asset & Portfolio Management:
* Manage and optimise the performance of the property portfolio, maximising returns on investment.
* Ensure all properties are maintained to a high standard, focusing on safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
* Oversee leasing activities, including tenant management, contract negotiations, and rental optimisation.
Financial Management:
* Develop and manage the annual budget for the properties department, including capital expenditures and operational expenses.
* Monitor financial performance of the property portfolio, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
* Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and investment analysis for senior management.
Team Leadership & Development
:
* Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary property team
* Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:
* Ensure all properties comply with all legal requirements, including safety, health, and environmental standards.
* Manage risk across the property portfolio, including insurance, liability, and legal matters.
Stakeholder Management:
* Build relationships with key stakeholders, including landlords, investors, government agencies, and key partners.
* Act as the primary point of contact for all property-related matters, representing the business in negotiations and public forums.
What You'll Bring
* Strategic thinker with a results-driven approach and a focus on long-term growth and value creation
* Experience in a leadership role in property management, real estate development, or a related field.
* Proven track record of managing large and diverse commercial property portfolios.
* In-depth knowledge of real estate markets, property laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
* Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
* Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.
* High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
* Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
* Bachelor's degree in real estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., MRICS, CPM, CCIM) are highly desirable.
About Clarks
Two brothers, a small town, and shoes that changed the world. Based in Somerset, England, Clarks has redefined shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts and forever transformed the future of footwear.
Sparking revolutions and defining generations, our archive of over 25,000 shoes includes the inimitable Clarks Desert Boot and Clarks Wallabee. And every pair we design today uses the same ground-breaking combination of invention and craftsmanship that started it all.
Progress is woven into our DNA. Whether we're pioneering cutting-edge comfort technologies, championing social change, or working on trailblazing collaborations with cultural icons and KOLs, we're always striding forward.
Join us in 2025 as we celebrate 200 years of giving people the freedom to move comfortably, proudly commemorating our legacy of craft, innovation, and impact – and looking boldly ahead, too.