Programme Director – Defence

PlaceTech Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national retailer seeks an experienced Head of Estates to lead a team and manage their extensive portfolio of retail properties across the UK. This strategic role involves ensuring property costs are controlled, overseeing lease events, and resolving disputes effectively. The ideal candidate will have significant retail estate management experience and strong commercial negotiation skills. Competitive salary and benefits including a company car allowance and generous holiday package are offered.

Benefits

Company Car Allowance

Pension

30 Days Holiday

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior Estates role, ideally within retail.
• Strong track record of commercial negotiation, delivering positive outcomes.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong internal and external relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a team of Estates Managers.
• Take ownership of the retail property portfolio.
• Manage relationships with landlords, tenants, and third-party advisors.

Skills

Commercial negotiation

Leadership and people management

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Relevant professional qualification (e.g. MRICS)

Job description

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 [e-mail]

REF: AK3511803