Senior Estates Manager

Description:

The Company

Poundstretcher is one of the UK’s leading discount retailers with a network of over 300 stores.

About the Role

We are seeking a commercially driven Senior Estates Manager to take ownership of our circa 300-store UK and NI retail estate within a fast-paced discount retail environment.

This is a pivotal role focused on reducing occupancy costs, maximising lease flexibility, and ensuring our estate supports a high-performing, cost-efficient trading model. You will lead all lease-related activity and play a key role in shaping the long-term profitability and resilience of the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Lease Event Management & Value Optimisation

* Lead all lease events across the estate including rent reviews, renewals, break options, regears, and expiries.

* Maintain a proactive lease events pipeline to protect value and maximise flexibility.

* Negotiate rent reductions, turnover-based rent structures, and improved lease terms aligned to the business model.

* Challenge service charges and non-recoverable costs to drive efficiency.

* Manage landlord relationships while maintaining a strong commercial stance on cost control.

* Lead escalated lease disputes in collaboration with legal advisors where required.

Portfolio Performance & Strategy

* Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to assess store performance and inform property decisions.

* Support strategic initiatives including store closures, relocations, downsizing, and new openings based on profitability.

Financial Oversight

* Own and maintain the rent roll, ensuring accuracy and alignment with budgets.

* Deliver measurable savings against occupancy cost targets.

* Support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with clear insight into estate liabilities and opportunities.

Data, Systems & Compliance

* Ensure full integrity of lease data across property management systems.

* Track all critical lease events and deadlines to mitigate risk and avoid missed opportunities.

* Oversee dilapidations strategy to minimise exit costs.

Qualifications

* Degree in Real Estate, Property Management, or equivalent experience.

* MRICS qualified (preferred but not essential).

Experience

* Proven experience managing large retail estates (discount retail, grocery, or high-volume retail preferred).

* Strong track record of delivering rent reductions and favourable lease negotiations.

* Experience operating in a commercially driven, cost-sensitive environment.

Key Skills & Competencies

* Expert understanding of Landlord & Tenant legislation.

* Strong commercial acumen with a focus on cost control and value creation.

* Confident negotiator with resilience and commercial toughness.

* Ability to manage a large, complex, and fast-moving portfolio.

* Detail-focused with strong financial and analytical capability.

* Pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to problem solving.

Why Join Us

At Poundstretcher, you’ll play a critical role in shaping a large UK retail estate and directly influencing business performance. This is an opportunity to drive real commercial impact in a dynamic, fast-paced value retail environment