Asset Manager

Ocado Retail Ltd; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online supermarket is seeking an experienced Asset Manager in Hatfield. This role involves strategic oversight and operational management of properties, focusing on acquisition and compliance. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in asset management, and knowledge of the commercial property market. This position operates on a hybrid model, offering competitive benefits including private medical insurance and a bonus scheme.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus scheme

Discounts at M&S

26 days holiday plus additional flexible bank holidays

Qualifications

• 5+ years of post-qualification experience in asset management or property management.
• Proven track record in property acquisition and development.
• Strong understanding of commercial property market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Identify and assess new sites for strategic growth.
• Lead negotiations for property acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage relationships with landlords and property owners.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate or related field

Professional certifications such as RICS

Job description

Vacancy NameAsset Manager

Vacancy NoVN1180

Job TypePermanent

LocationHatfield

Job Details

Asset Manager

Contract type : Permanent

Location : Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week : 40 hours

Level : Manager

Application Closing Date : 25th December 2025

About us

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.

We’re Ocado Retail , a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, . Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind , our same-day grocery delivery service.

About the team and the role

The Network Development and Property team is the driving force behind capacity and responsible for developing the most efficient property network in online groceries. We play a critical role in Ocado Retail’s growth and we have the opportunity to push boundaries and make a huge impact on Ocado Retail’s profitability.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Asset Manager to provide strategic oversight and operational management across our property portfolio. This vital role encompasses all aspects of occupier management, fixed cost reduction, property data governance, and strategic estate planning, with a crucial focus on property acquisition and development.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of the commercial property market, and a proven track record in portfolio management and strategic site sourcing. You will be responsible for ensuring the physical quality, health, and safety of properties, managing property law compliance, and providing strategic advice to optimise business performance and facilitate growth through new site acquisition.

What you’ll do

Property Acquisition and Development

• Site Identification : Proactively identify, assess, and qualify new sites that align with Ocado Retail’s strategic growth requirements, through effective networking and market analysis.
• Negotiation & Due Diligence : Lead commercial negotiations for the acquisition of new property interests. Oversee and manage comprehensive due diligence processes, including coordinating with internal stakeholders and external consultants.
• Transaction Management : Oversee the management of legal and professional processes associated with site acquisition, development agreements, and securing necessary consents, liaising closely with legal counsel.
• Development Advisory : Advise on and manage development schemes from inception to completion, ensuring projects enhance long-term property value, functionality, and operational capability.

Occupier Management & Estate Planning

• Lease Management : Coordinate all lease change events, including renewals, exercising break notices, rent reviews, and sub-lettings.
• Landlord Relationships : Oversee and manage strategic relationships with all landlords and property owners.
• Estate Management Processes : Establish, implement, and continuously improve robust estate management processes to maximise operational efficiency and portfolio performance.
• Strategic Planning : Engage in proactive estate planning, stay abreast of industry trends, and provide relevant insights and recommendations to stakeholders to optimise the overall property portfolio.
• Networking : Develop and nurture a high-value network of contacts with agents, developers, landlords, and other industry professionals.

Financial Management & Cost Reduction

• Cost Management : Strategically manage property fixed costs, including rent, business rates, service charges, insurance, and utilities, with a determined focus on reducing ongoing operating expenses.
• Budgeting & Forecasting : Provide accurate periodic budget information, detailed forecasts, and implement initiatives to optimise spending and achieve financial targets.

Physical Property Management & Compliance

• Health & Safety : Ensure rigorous compliance with all health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and all statutory requirements across the portfolio.
• Maintenance : Oversee the proactive and reactive response to dilapidations, repair notices, and planned preventative maintenance to maintain properties to a high standard.
• Legal Compliance : Manage comprehensive compliance with property law and legislation, liaising with external legal and consulting professionals as needed.

Property Data Management

• Data Integrity : Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and complete property data and records (e.g., leases, certificates, plans), ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Reporting : Utilise property data for strategic decision-making, performance evaluation, and providing detailed management reports.

Who you are

• Education : Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Property Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional Certification : Professional certifications such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) are essential.
• Experience : Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience in commercial property management or asset management, with demonstrable experience in property acquisition and development.
• Market Knowledge : Strong, current understanding of commercial property market dynamics, trends, and legal framework.
• Strategic & Problem Solving : Proven ability to develop and implement strategic solutions to complex property problems and portfolio challenges.
• Interpersonal Skills : Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to build and maintain high-value internal and external relationships.
• Leadership : Exceptional leadership skills and a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
• Technical Proficiency : Proficiency in property law, legislation, lease change events, property fixed cost management, and estate management processes.
• Working styles : Ability to plan, prioritise tasks effectively, manage multiple workstreams, and perform consistently under pressure.

What’s in it for you

By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.

If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer :

Health & Wellbeing : Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.

Spend & Save : Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.

Never miss the moments that matter : Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.

Our Hiring Process

Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.

Your Application and AI

In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element : your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.

Everyone’s welcome