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- Tasks: Lead the expansion of a rapidly growing childcare business across the South of England.
- Company: Join a dynamic nursery business with ambitious growth plans and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Autonomy, visibility at the top level, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of childcare by securing new sites and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK real estate or commercial property; project management skills are a plus.
- Other info: A rare opportunity for a career-defining role with bold ambitions.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Field-based (South of England) with regular travel to central London.
Help Shape the Future of a Rapidly Growing Childcare/Nursery Business. With 45+ sites already open across London, the Home Counties and the Midlands, our client is on an ambitious journey to double the size of their business over the next 3–4 years. To make that happen, they’re looking for a driven, commercially minded Expansion Manager to lead growth across the South of England.
This is a high-impact, end-to-end role where you’ll take ownership of building the southern pipeline of new sites — from spotting opportunities in the market to getting deals over the line. Reporting directly to the CFO, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future footprint of the real-estate function.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love deal-making, and want to see your work turn into real, physical spaces that matter — this role is for you.
The Role
This is a field-based, highly commercial position with responsibility for sourcing and securing long-lease investment opportunities that meet clear requirements for exceptional nurseries. You’ll own the full lifecycle of each opportunity — market mapping, origination, appraisal, negotiation and completion — while working closely with our Property, Design, Finance and Legal teams.
Sourcing New Sites
- Build and maintain strong relationships with agents, developers and landlords.
- Actively represent at industry events, seminars and networking forums.
- Develop a programmatic origination strategy to support the target of opening 20 new sites per year (10 South / 10 North).
Appraising Opportunities
- Coordinate internal teams to assess commercial, site and financial viability.
- Prepare and manage bid materials, pitch decks, offer letters and heads of terms.
- Present shortlisted opportunities to the CEO, CFO and Executive Leadership Team.
Owning the Deal Process
- Lead commercial negotiations with landlords.
- Manage external lawyers and oversee the process from offer to completion.
- Ensure all activity aligns with our Health & Safety Statement of Intent.
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- Proven experience in UK real estate or commercial property.
- A strong track record of identifying and delivering new sites in a growing business.
- Solid project management skills, with the ability to drive stakeholders, timelines and budgets.
Qualifications
- RICS qualification – desirable but not essential.
Skills & Knowledge
- Excellent commercial acumen with a sharp eye for good (and bad) deals.
- Strong knowledge of the UK property market, particularly London and the South East.
About You
- Relentless, target-driven and results-focused.
- A proactive self-starter who thrives on autonomy.
- A collaborative partner, working closely with the Head of Expansion (North) to achieve shared growth goals.
- A natural relationship-builder who can sell the vision with confidence and credibility.
- A true team player who knows how to draw on the strengths of others to get things done.
This is a rare opportunity to take on a career-defining role in a business with bold ambitions, real momentum, and a clear expansion strategy. You’ll have visibility at the very top of the organisation, autonomy to make things happen, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on our growing portfolio.
Ready to help shape what comes next? We’d love to hear from you.
Head of Expansion - South UK in London employer: Macdonald & Company
Contact Detail:
Macdonald & Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Expansion - South UK in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and meet people! Attend industry events, seminars, and networking forums to build relationships with agents, developers, and landlords. The more connections you make, the better your chances of spotting new opportunities.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to present your ideas, make it count! Prepare pitch decks and offer letters that showcase your commercial acumen and understanding of the property market. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate why you're the right fit for the role.
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and find them! Develop a programmatic origination strategy that aligns with the company’s growth goals. Show that you’re a self-starter who can drive results and make things happen.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Work closely with internal teams like Property, Design, Finance, and Legal. Keep everyone in the loop and ensure that all activities align with the company's objectives. Being a team player will not only help you succeed but also show that you can lead effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Expansion - South UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Expansion. Highlight your experience in UK real estate and any successful projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our ambitious growth plans!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for expansion and your understanding of the childcare/nursery business. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact role.
Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills: Since this role is all about securing new sites, make sure to highlight your negotiation successes and any relevant metrics. We love numbers that demonstrate your impact, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our future!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macdonald & Company
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the UK property market, especially in London and the South East. Familiarise yourself with recent trends, key players, and potential opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you discuss how you can contribute to the company's ambitious growth plans.
✨Showcase Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare specific examples of past deals you've successfully negotiated. Highlight your role in each stage of the process, from market mapping to completion. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to drive results, which is crucial for a role focused on expansion.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your relationship-building skills during the interview. Discuss how you've previously collaborated with agents, developers, and other stakeholders. This will show that you understand the importance of networking in sourcing new sites and securing deals.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company's mission and values, particularly their commitment to health and safety. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating exceptional nursery spaces while ensuring compliance with their Health & Safety Statement of Intent.
