Head of Estates - National Retailer

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)