Head of Property in Manchester

Our client is a leading and rapidly scaling operator in the UK Sports and Leisure sector, looking to appoint a Head of Property to join their leadership team and aid their continued business growth. With a strong focus on community engagement, operational excellence, and modern facility development, this business is at the forefront of transforming a fast-growing sport into a nationwide movement.

Role Overview

We are looking for a strategic and results-driven professional with a background in Property Management, Acquisition or Development to join the firm and lead all Property Acquisition efforts. This is a senior role that requires both strategic oversight and a willingness to get stuck into the day-to-day. You will be responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive BD strategy to support business growth, working closely with leadership, external consultants and potential stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the organisation’s Property function, including the sourcing, evaluation, and acquisition of multiple sites to support growth and expansion.
• Design, implement, and manage an efficient site identification and acquisition process.
• Assess the feasibility and commercial viability of potential sites, providing data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Offer expert advice and guidance to the executive team and board on planning, development, and construction matters on a site-by-site basis.
• Negotiate key property agreements, including Heads of Terms, Agreements for Lease, leases, and licences with landlords and external partners.
• Prepare and oversee development budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage the end-to-end planning, development, and construction lifecycle for new projects.
• Oversee the maintenance and operational performance of the existing property portfolio.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing property team capable of delivering on organisational goals.
• Lead all pipeline activities, including identifying new opportunities, engaging with potential landlords and partners, and managing negotiations from early engagement through to completion.
• Maintain accurate tracking of pipeline performance and feedback, using insights to refine acquisition and expansion strategies.
• Report regularly on property strategy, performance, and progress to the senior leadership team and board.
• Manage and nurture relationships with external consultants, agents, and stakeholders, ensuring consistency of communication and representation.
• Leverage technology and data to strengthen the property pipeline, enhance efficiency, and support the organisation’s long-term growth plans.

Skills & Experience

• Professional qualification (e.g. MRICS or equivalent) with significant experience in a senior property development, land acquisition, or estate management role - ideally within a multi-site or growth-focused environment.
• Strong understanding of property law, leasing structures, planning processes, and construction management.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering multi-site property strategies, supported by the use of digital tools and data-driven platforms for site analysis and project tracking.
• Demonstrated financial and commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering projects successfully and managing development budgets effectively.
• Comfortable working at both a strategic and operational level, with the ability to move seamlessly between long-term planning and hands-on delivery.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience in building, mentoring, and managing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to play a leading role in one of the UK’s fastest growing companies in the sector.
• Autonomy to build and lead a function from the ground up.
• Flexible working environment with scope to shape your role.
• Regular team events.

Application & Consent

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Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Sales and Business Development
• Industries: Sports Teams and Clubs, Community Development, Urban Planning