At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead B&M's real estate strategy, oversee store development, and drive portfolio optimisation.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading value retailers with over 1,200 stores.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail and make a significant impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in retail property and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Real Estate and Development employer: B&M Retail
Contact Detail:
B&M Retail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Real Estate and Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend real estate events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching B&M’s recent projects and their growth strategy. Show us that you understand our vision and how your experience aligns with our goals. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to hiring managers or teams at B&M. Express your interest in the Head of Real Estate & Development role and share how you can add value to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for B&M!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Real Estate and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Real Estate and Development. Highlight your experience in retail property, acquisitions, and project management, as these are key areas for us at B&M.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use numbers and specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led store developments or negotiations in the past.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want a professional application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can make your application stand out in a sea of formal documents.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at B&M Retail
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into B&M's real estate strategy and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their store locations, growth plans, and any recent news. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in site acquisitions, lease negotiations, and overseeing store developments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Real Estate & Development, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in managing cross-functional teams or working in multi-country operations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your strategic mindset and understanding of the retail property market. Inquire about B&M's future expansion plans, challenges they face in the current market, or how they measure success in their real estate strategy. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the company's vision.