Acquisitions Manager (9 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Loungers Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing UK hospitality company is seeking an Acquisitions Coordinator for a 9-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. In this role, you'll support site acquisitions, coordinate activities, and maintain the acquisitions pipeline. Ideal candidates are organized, proactive, and enjoy a fast-paced environment. The position offers hybrid working, 28 days holiday, and competitive benefits.

Benefits

28 days holiday

50% off food at all locations

Pension contribution

24/7 mental health support

Company events including LoungeFest

Qualifications

• Must be highly organized and proactive in supporting the acquisitions process.
• Experience in surveying is beneficial.
• Ability to build strong relationships across teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the acquisitions process from site identification to handover.
• Keep the acquisitions pipeline updated for stakeholders.
• Assist with managing utility upgrades.

Skills

Proactive team player

Highly organized

Confident communicator

Comfortable working at pace

Naturally curious

Knowledge of conducting rent reviews

Education

Degree in surveying (preferred)

Job description

About Us

Loungers is a substantial and growing operator in the UK hospitality sector, operating circa 300 sites in England and Wales across three distinct but complementary brands, Lounges, Cosy Club, and Brightside. Founded in 2002 by three friends who wanted to create a neighbourhood caf-bar that they would want to go to, the Group is now the only growing all-day operator of scale in the UK and has consistently outperformed the wider UK hospitality sector over the past three years. Despite being the fastest growing caf/restaurant group in the Country, Loungers has retained its entrepreneurial spirit and quirky 'Loungey' local community atmosphere.

The Role in a Nutshell

The Acquisitions Team is responsible for identifying and securing new sites across all our brands; sites that align with the company's overall growth strategy and support long-term business performance. The goal is to deliver a strong pipeline of high-quality locations that boost profitability and meet the strategic targets set by the board.

In this role, you'll play a vital part in supporting the team and helping ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. You'll assist in coordinating activity across the full acquisitions process-from early-stage site assessments through to handover-working closely with internal teams and a wide range of external stakeholders, including landlords, agents, solicitors, architects, planning consultants, and project managers.

You'll also support the Development team in preparing thorough handovers for our Build teams, helping to turn great ideas into successful openings.

You'll be joining a small but high-performing team made up of a Head of Acquisitions, a Senior Acquisitions Manager, and an Acquisitions Manager, all supported by a network of trusted external consultants and subject matter experts. If you're organised, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be a great opportunity to get stuck into a varied and rewarding role.

This role is a 9 Month Fixed Term maternity cover contract.

Getting into Detail

As the team's support, you'll help manage the end-to-end process of acquiring new sites and making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Your role will be varied and fast-paced, including responsibilities like:

• Supporting the acquisitions process-from site identification and negotiation through to legal, planning, licensing, and handover to the Construction team.
• Keeping the acquisitions pipeline up to date and sharing it with key stakeholders.
• Managing utility upgrades with Amber Energy, making sure all necessary works (meter installs, temp boards, etc.) are in place before build and opening.
• Maintaining the Master Acquisitions Spreadsheet and making sure it stays current with team input.
• Working with the Development team to get licensing plans and DPS forms, and managing Licensing Solicitors through the application and approval process.
• Acting as the main point of contact with Planning Consultants and updating the team on progress via bi-weekly calls.
• Helping the team stay on track with timelines and working quickly to resolve issues alongside the Acquisitions Managers.
• Preparing SAR paper templates for each site and assisting with scheduling CAPEX meetings and deadlines.
• Arranging surveys (feasibility, Momentum) as needed.
• Logging new site opportunities and maintaining a central database, including mapping and background research.
• Researching potential sites ahead of town visits and pulling together supporting information for the Senior Acquisitions Managers.
• Assisting with one-pagers and materials for Exec visits, plus attending visits where needed.
• Capturing post-visit notes and coordinating follow-up actions, including negotiations and consultant appointments.
• Supporting rent reviews and lease events alongside the Head of Estates and Head of Acquisitions, aiming to resolve cases without needing external agents.

What You'll Bring

• A proactive, adaptable team player who enjoys variety in their day-to-day work
• Highly organised, with a knack for streamlining processes and helping the team work smarter
• A confident communicator who builds strong relationships and keeps everyone in the loop
• Comfortable working at pace and keeping projects moving to meet tight deadlines
• Naturally curious, always looking for ways to improve how things are done
• Experience or a background in surveying (a surveying degree is a plus, but not essential)
• Knowledge of, or experience in, conducting rent reviews would be considered an asset

What's in it for You?

• Hybrid working arrangement - four days in our central Bristol office and one day working from home
• 28 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• A culture that appreciates ideas and celebrates individuality
• Founder-led business - we might have circa 300 sites, but we still maintain an entrepreneurial spirit through everything we do
• 50% off food at all Lounges, Cosy Clubs and Brightsides
• Pension contribution
• 24/7 mental health support
• Amazing events including LoungeFest - our annual company festival - Christmas parties and more
• We want to work with nice people so if you want to work hard, have fun and be part of the Loungers ride, we'd love to have you.