Head of Estates (12 month FTC)

at wagamama, we’re an eating house for the soul. with over 165 uk restaurants and growing, our purpose is to nourish the world from bowl to soul. inspired by fast-paced, japanese ramen bars since 1992. a celebration of asian food brought wagamama to life

we’re looking for an head of estates to join us on our continuous journey of true nourishment

purpose |

working with the existing estates team, you'll be responsible for all estates matters across the wagamama uk + roi estate. this will include the preparation, ownership and delivery of a comprehensive estates management plan

you will lead and motivate both internal and external teams, setting an example with both your attention to detail, commercial acumen and desire to succeed

you will be a senior member of the property team and you will need to be able to confidently work with other senior leaders in the business and be able to present succinctly and confidently at all levels

key accountabilities |

• the proactive and commercially astute estate management of the leasehold property estate, leveraging the value of the brand and the financial strength of the wagamama limited covenant. this will include leadership of a forward-looking approach to the estate including lease regears/exits and the management of critical lease events
• the proactive and commercially astute estate management of the remainder of the group property estate, including Barburrito & a small portfolio of closed sites (<20 sites)
• the management and accountability of the companies fixed property costs including rent, service charges and insurance. this will include the provision of periodic cost budgeting and forecasting and the implementation of commercially sensible initiatives to reduce ongoing and future liabilities
• the proactive management of the external business rates surveyors – leading all initiatives to reduce overall rating costs and ensuring an accurate payment process and a forward-looking attitude to the delivery of business rate reduction initiatives
• leadership of the ongoing minimisation of financial and legal liabilities, including disposals, across the group. high-quality valuation advice, commercial recommendations and the coordination and management of external consultants will be needed to achieve this
• management of the group wide property reporting and database ensuring complete data integrity and clear concise reporting, linking into the group finance functions to guarantee accurate fixed cost payments and management reporting. an ongoing desire to review and improve on existing working practices will be expected as part of this senior property role
• active participation in the annual estate management review to ensure all estate management matters are fully considered in capital spend decisions and leading on the delivery of targeted lease extensions

key skills + requirements |

• extensive relevant property experience within a large, multi-site organisation( >10 years)
• very likely to be a member of the RICS – Chartered Surveyor
• proven track record of leading, developing and inspiring skilled teams to achieve continuous improvement
• ability to compile, review, control and implement budgets
• excellent planning and organising skills
• strong negotiating skills
• methodical with great attention to detail
• sound commercial acumen
• excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and an ability to confidently present to all audiences
• excellent problem-solving skills and a positive, ‘can do’ attitude
• proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work autonomously and within a team
• you will ideally be based in the southeast within reasonable commuting distance from our head office in london bridge
• full UK driving licence is essential
• this is a 12 month fixed term contract

wok's in it for you |

• a competitive annual salary
• discretionary 30% bonus opportunity per year
• hybrid working model
• wagamama food allowance
• private healthcare
• family friendly policy | any expectant person or anyone adopting a child will receive 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay
• pension contribution
• 25 days holiday + all bank holidays
• various discount across retail, hospitality + leisure