At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead property strategy and manage new restaurant openings across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Wagamama, a vibrant Asian-inspired restaurant chain with over 165 locations.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, car allowance, 30% bonus, and £200 monthly food allowance.
- Other info: Join a family-friendly environment with excellent perks and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of dining while enjoying great food and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in property leadership within hospitality or retail sectors.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
hybrid 3x a week | london | competitive salary + car allowance + 30% bonus at wagamama, food is life and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company were looking for a property director to join us ready to dive in and stir things up?
purpose | this is a high-profile, business-critical leadership role accountable for shaping and delivering the property strategy across the UK and Ireland restaurant estate the role holder will enable sustainable business growth by deploying capital effectively across new openings and refurbishment programmes, while providing high-quality property services that support safe, efficient, and resilient restaurant and support-centre operations success requires exceptional commercial judgement, collaborative leadership and stakeholder management, combined with a disciplined, results-driven approach to execution what you'll be doing | new restaurant acquisition + openings own and continually evolve the UK and Ireland acquisition strategy, delivering a high-quality pipeline of new restaurant openings in line with the business plan and agreed investment returns
- partner with the customer insight team and specialist advisers to maintain a data-led UK and Ireland expansion map, using predictive modelling to identify attractive, high-quality locations.
- establish clear governance, decision gates and reporting to maintain quality and pace, manage pipeline risk, and ensure robust legal and financial control.
- provide expert property input into new-format trials and rollout plans, ensuring proposals are commercially viable and operationally deliverable.
- asset management + core estate investment
- lead all core-estate lease events, balancing strategic, operational, and commercial priorities
- own the property budgeting process across fixed property costs, capital investment, repairs, and maintenance, with clear forecasting and cost control.
- lead the annual estate review, defining asset strategies and prioritising capital across expansion, refurbishment, and maintenance.
- lead asset management for the non-core restaurant estate and advise on Group-wide property matters.
- construction + design
- lead the project and design teams responsible for annual capital expenditure of £15–20 million across projects ranging from £50,000 to £1.5 million
- embed sustainable design and construction standards across new openings and core-estate refurbishments, aligned with the Protecting the Future strategy
- shape the evolution of restaurant design collaboratively with Operations, Marketing and Customer Experience, improving both appearance and functionality.
- provide high-quality design and construction support to franchise and joint-venture markets in partnership with the international development team.
- repairs + maintenance
- ensure the UK and Ireland estate receives a reliable, cost-effective repairs and maintenance service that meets statutory requirements and continually improves performance against agreed service levels.
- own senior relationships with Bellrock and other strategic suppliers, working with the Head of Maintenance to align delivery with the company plan and performance expectations.
- control annual expenditure of approximately £15 million across reactive maintenance, planned works and asset replacement
- lead Group-wide property sustainability initiatives, including intelligent energy-management systems and operational behaviour-change programmes.
- what we are looking for |
- established property leader with extensive experience across property, construction and facilities in a large, multi-site hospitality or retail business
- strategic and commercially astute, with the attention to detail and judgement required to make complex decisions.
- calm and focused under pressure, translating strategy into clear plans and disciplined execution.
- a confident negotiator with a pragmatic, results-driven mindset, and strong financial acumen what’s in it for you |
- hybrid working (3x a week in hq the rest at home)
- 30% bonus
- car allowance
- come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
- £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
- private healthcare cover
- 6% pension contribution
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
- supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belong
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
property director employer: wagamama ltd
At wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture in Milton Keynes. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our coaching programmes and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive. With competitive packages that include bonuses, tips, and unique restaurant perks, we create a rewarding environment where leadership and empathy are celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land property director
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like wagamama ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to wagamama ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to wagamama ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace property director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about wagamama ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
