At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead real estate acquisitions and manage delivery for new locations across the UK.
- Company: Join a top UK flexible workspace operator focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, and a vibrant work culture with autonomy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic company while making a tangible impact in real estate.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial real estate, particularly in acquisitions and negotiations.
- Other info: Salary ranges from £90,000 to £120,000, based in Central London.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Rockbourne are partnered with one of the leading UK-based flexible workspace operators to help them appoint a Head of Real Estate to their London-based team. In this newly created position, you will be at the centre of their expansion, shaping the future of the business and leading the acquisition and delivery of new locations across the UK.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role where you’ll have true ownership, tangible impact, and the opportunity to help steer one of the UK’s most exciting flex workspace operators.
What’s in it for you?
- Culture: Fun, ambitious, and values-driven with a focus on people, ownership, and high performance.
- Autonomy: Complete ownership of the real estate function with the ability to shape the roadmap.
- Growth: Be part of the leadership team with a clear plan and ambitions to scale.
- Variety: The role underpins our client’s expansion strategy and is directly responsible for delivering new locations, managing our existing portfolio, and overseeing the commercial performance of their real estate footprint.
The role itself:
Acquisition
- Lead the sourcing and transaction of new locations to drive the company’s growth strategy.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key introducing agents.
- Oversee underwriting for all new opportunities, collaborating with delivery, sales, finance, and suppliers for accurate inputs.
- Help shape the acquisition model/deal structure, ensuring we achieve highly profitable capex light deals.
- Manage the end-to-end legal process for new location transactions.
- Continuously improve and streamline the company’s acquisition process.
- Supervise the board sign-off process for new locations.
Asset Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for landlord relationships.
- Lead the real estate strategy, ensuring the most favourable terms for extensions.
- Manage rent reviews, directly or with external support.
Delivery
- Oversee the delivery function, including managing the Senior Project Manager and supplier relationships.
- Ensure new locations are delivered on time and within budget.
- Ensure compliance with ERs for new locations and manage any changes.
About you:
- Proven commercial real estate experience - ideally in acquisitions, leasing, or landlord negotiations.
- Familiarity with the end-to-end transaction process.
- Strong understanding of lease structures and underwriting.
- Central London real estate experience preferred.
- Deep commercial acumen and an understanding of what makes a profitable, scalable real estate deal.
- Strong relationship-building skills with agents, landlords, and internal stakeholders.
- Proactive, strategic thinker with the ability to prioritise, problem-solve, and lead initiatives.
- Exceptional communication and influence - able to present to the board and represent the brand externally.
Other details:
£90,000 - £120,000 (DOE) + bonus and benefits
Location – Central London
Contact Detail:
Rockbourne Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Real Estate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the real estate sector, especially those who have experience in flexible workspaces. Attend industry events and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly, including their current locations and expansion plans. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in their growth strategy during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in real estate acquisitions and asset management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with landlords and agents, as well as how you've navigated complex transactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic thinking by presenting ideas on how to improve the company's acquisition process or enhance their real estate strategy. This proactive approach can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to contribute from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Real Estate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial real estate, particularly in acquisitions and landlord negotiations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and manage projects effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the flexible workspace sector and how your skills align with the company's growth strategy. Mention your experience with relationship building and strategic thinking.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles. This could be successful transactions, cost savings, or improvements in processes that you have implemented.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires exceptional communication and influence, provide examples of how you've successfully presented to stakeholders or led initiatives. This will demonstrate your capability to represent the brand externally.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rockbourne
✨Showcase Your Real Estate Expertise
Make sure to highlight your proven commercial real estate experience, especially in acquisitions and landlord negotiations. Be prepared to discuss specific deals you've worked on and how they contributed to the success of previous companies.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Real Estate, you'll need to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've prioritised initiatives or solved complex problems in past roles. This will show your ability to lead and shape the company's real estate strategy.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and demonstrate your ability to connect with people. This will reflect your capability to build relationships with agents and landlords.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Presentations
Since you'll be presenting to the board, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Prepare a brief presentation on a relevant topic, such as a successful acquisition strategy, to showcase your communication skills and influence.