Property Director

The Company:

Our Client, is an established and successful niche casual dining operator with exciting and ambitious plans to grow its UK estate in high footfall locations. The longer term plan is to grow internationally particularly in Europe and Strategy work is being conducted.

An outstanding Property Director is now being sought.

The Position:

In this new business critical role, the Property Director will report to the Managing Director and will play a pivotal role in the further growth of our client providing sound strategic and commercial property advice to the business.

The Property Director will lead the development of the new site pipeline and business cases, presenting acquisition proposals to the Board. However, the Founders maintain a strong personal interest in the choice of venues for the brand. Accordingly, the Property Director will work closely with the CEO on site selection and with the Co-Founder on the interior design of the customer spaces.

In addition, the new incumbent will also provide vision and leadership to their Team and key Supply Partners, inspiring performance excellence across all levels and in all service delivery areas working within the agreed commercial model and budgets.

Other key duties and responsibilities will include:-

• Leading and motivating internal and external multi-disciplinary Teams with accountability for the entire property function from Acquisitions, Estates, Construction and Design to Facilities Management and Equipment Procurement etc.
• Planning and delivering a profitable and innovative property strategy in the UK and possibly longer term internationally, that will drive the growth of the company and enhance business performance.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships and a pipeline of available sites to purchase with Agents, Landlords, Developers and other leisure/retail operators promoting our client, including on and off the market.
• Present new site opportunities to the Board with well researched and commercially strong proposals.
• Effectively manage budgets minimising ongoing property occupation costs through the successful completion of rent reviews, lease renewals, rating, new building costs and occupancy cost reviews, supported by the development of effective Landlord relationships and leasehold risk management etc.
• Manage and oversee the development of an effective network of Alliance Partners for acquisitions, leasing, construction, facilities management etc.
• Manage all new build fit out projects to time, cost and quality as well as embed a strong safety culture within the Contractor supply base.
• Manage the refurbishment programme and maintenance – both planned and reactive of the restaurant portfolio ensuring statutory compliance and adherence to Health and Safety etc.
• Oversee the Facilities Management function, budget and Team including setting KPI’s etc.
• Develop plans to leverage buying, either via Equipment Suppliers or preferred Contractors, to deliver best value and targeted savings.
• Lead legal negotiations with external stakeholders as well as deal with licensing and planning, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Build, develop, coach and motivate a strong internal Team with transparency, enthusiasm and drive.
• Develop, review and implement appropriate processes to meet both profit and business plan targets.
• Develop operational and other commercial information in accordance with the agreed governance arrangements.
• Review Competitor activity and advise the Board of all relevant trends and developments in the Restaurant and Casual Dining marketplace.
• Undertake any other tasks, responsibilities or assignments upon request from the Managing Director and the Board.

The Person Specification:

The ideal Candidate is most likely to be a qualified Chartered Surveyor with a successful track record of achievement within a similar Restaurant/Casual Dining Operator with the ability to manage and motivate both an internal and external multi-disciplinary Team. In addition, they should demonstrate:

• Proven experience and expertise of managing the entire acquisition process from site finding, negotiation, purchase, legal, planning and licensing process etc.
• Excellent geographical knowledge of the UK’s major Towns and Cities particularly London, local High Streets, Market Towns and Leisure led Schemes.
• A well established network of contacts with Agents, Institutional Landlords, Developers and other Restaurant/Retail Operators etc.
• Commercially astute with good negotiating abilities and cost focus.
• Experience of managing fit out projects ensuring value for money etc.
• Managing change projects with FM environments.
• Procuring equipment etc, cost effectively and efficiently.
• Have a track record of securing good quality and profitable deals and influencing through extensive networks.
• Have outstanding organisational skills with strong attention to detail, ability to prioritise and manage many work streams at the same time across different disciplines and able to cope with conflicting demands and time constraints in a fast paced environment.
• A team orientated strategic thinker and leader with excellent operational and Customer focus and someone who is process driven.
• Have well developed communication skills at a senior level, internally and externally as well as excellent presentation abilities.
• Demonstrate a real passion for the branded restaurant/casual dining marketplace.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, numerate and IT literate.

The Salary & Supporting Benefits:

A very attractive base salary plus Bonus, Growth Equity for the right candidate will be made available as part of the package, Car Allowance, Pension, Private Health Cover, 28 days holiday etc.

The Location:

Field based with travel throughout the UK.

The above are principal elements in an attractive and comprehensive package reflecting our Client’s determination to appoint a first class candidate.

It is our policy to practice equal opportunities in recruitment and selection for all candidates.

We have a responsibility to avoid unlawful discrimination.