Head of Estates Management (Client Side)

Corporate Head of Estates Management (Client Side) Location: UK-based, hybrid working

A leading organisation is seeking a Corporate Head of Estates Management to drive and shape the strategic direction of its UK property portfolio. This is a client-side leadership role, responsible for aligning estate assets with the evolving needs of multiple business units, ensuring operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Reporting into senior leadership and supported by a Senior Estates Manager, you will lead a small in-house team and manage external consultants. The role involves oversight of operational and surplus property, with responsibility for acquisitions, disposals, lease negotiations, space planning and lifecycle management of the UK estate.
This is a key role in enabling strategic transformation across the organisation, contributing directly to business performance and future workforce planning
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Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a UK-wide property strategy aligned with business and workforce planning needs
• Translate complex estate data into clear, actionable board-level narratives and reports
• Lead acquisitions, disposals, due diligence, lease negotiations, and compliance activities
• Collaborate closely with HR and operational teams to align estate strategy with headcount trends and space planning
• Manage internal stakeholders, including senior business leaders, and act as the primary liaison between internal estates, executive functions, and external consultants
• Support delivery of major property projects, including relocations, refurbishments and landlord negotiations
• Promote innovation within the property function through best practice, continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives
• Lead and manage estates budgets, ensuring cost control, statutory compliance, and risk mitigation across the portfolio

• MRICS or FRICS qualified, with extensive UK property experience
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, asset strategy, valuations, planning, and legal frameworks
• Proven track record in leading estates or property teams in a corporate, client-side environment
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including experience presenting to boards or senior stakeholders
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in portfolio optimisation, acquisitions, disposals, and lease management
• Confident working with HR and data teams to analyse workforce trends and inform estate decisions
• Resilient, proactive, and able to operate independently under pressure
• Willingness to travel across the UK as required