Head of Real Estate and Development

B&M is one of the UK’s leading value retailers, with over 1,200 stores across the Group and a strong pipeline for continued growth. Our success is driven by a clear and disciplined real estate strategy, securing the right sites, delivering high-quality stores, and maximising long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Real Estate & Development to shape and lead B&M’s property and development strategy at pace and scale. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a pivotal leadership role, responsible not only for acquisitions and portfolio optimisation, but also for overseeing the design, construction, and remodelling of stores. The remit covers B&M in the UK as well as oversight of new store sign-offs for Heron Foods and B&M France, ensuring consistency, quality, and commercial value across the Group.

What you will be responsible for:

• Define and deliver B&M’s real estate and development strategy in line with business growth objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new retail sites across the UK.
• Lead acquisitions and lease negotiations, ensuring commercially advantageous terms.
• Oversee the full development process for new stores and refurbishments, including design, construction, and fit-out.
• Provide Group oversight of new store sign-offs for Heron Foods and B&M France, ensuring alignment with standards and return criteria.
• Drive portfolio optimisation through market evaluation, performance monitoring, and risk management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, property agents, contractors, and local authorities.
• Provide strategic insight on market trends, opportunities, and risks to the Executive team.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and investment return reporting across all property and development activities.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing real estate and development team, aligned with business priorities.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in retail property, with a proven track record in site acquisitions, estate management, and delivering new store build and refurbishment programmes.
• Strong knowledge of UK retail property markets, lease structures, planning processes, and construction project management.
• Demonstrable success in overseeing major store development and remodelling projects, delivered on time and to budget.
• Experience in providing property oversight for multi-brand or multi-country retail operations is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to lead lease negotiations and deliver commercial value.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to interpret and act on market trends.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth retail environment is strongly preferred.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive CV, outlining their suitability for this role. This role will close on Friday 24th October.

B&M Retail are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all colleagues.