Branch Manager

Ocado; Hatfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online grocery provider in Hatfield is seeking a highly motivated Property Lead to oversee and manage a diverse property portfolio. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in a senior leadership role, particularly in the retail or logistics sectors, and will be responsible for property acquisitions, strategic oversight, and compliance management. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to drive cost control while ensuring high-quality property standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role managing a geographically diverse commercial property portfolio.
• Essential professional qualification, such as FRICS/MRICS.
• Demonstrable track record of leading complex property acquisitions and disposals.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term property strategy for Ocado Retail.
• Lead and manage the internal property team and external consultants.
• Oversee acquisition processes for new operational sites and manage existing portfolio.

Skills

Leadership and management skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Education

Professional qualification (FRICS/MRICS)

Job description

Position Overview

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 Property Lead to lead the team, provide strategic oversight and operational management across our property portfolio. This vital role has accountability for all aspects of property acquisition, development and asset management. 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 Strategy & Leadership

• Strategic Planning: Define, develop, and execute the comprehensive, long‑term property strategy for Ocado Retail, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and rapid growth requirements.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage the internal property team (including Asset Managers and support staff) and external professional consultant network, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Executive Reporting: Act as the primary interface for property matters to the Executive and Board, providing insightful analysis, recommendations, and performance updates.
• Budget & Finance: Define, control, and deliver the annual property capital and operating expenditure budgets, focusing on value creation and cost minimisation.

Acquisition, Disposal, and Portfolio Management

• Acquisition Strategy: Lead the process for identifying, evaluating, and securing new operational sites (e.g., Customer Fulfilment Centres, spoke sites, etc.) required for business expansion, managing the entire lifecycle from initial sourcing to successful completion.
• Transaction Negotiation: Personally lead and oversee complex, high‑value property negotiations, including lease terms, freehold acquisitions, and development agreements.
• Portfolio Optimisation: Proactively manage the existing portfolio, identifying opportunities for lease restructuring, disposal of non‑strategic assets, or strategic re‑gearing to enhance portfolio value and flexibility.
• Development Management: Oversee the successful planning, execution, and delivery of major property development and refurbishment projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.

Estate Management & Compliance

• Occupier & Landlord Relations: Direct the management of all occupier responsibilities and maintain strategic relationships with key landlords and property partners.
• Risk Management: Ensure rigorous compliance with all property law, planning regulations, health and safety legislation, and environmental standards across the entire estate.
• Operational Excellence: Implement and maintain best‑in‑class property management systems, processes, and data governance to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.
• Cost Control: Drive substantial fixed cost savings initiatives across all property outgoings, including rates, service charges, rent, and utilities.

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.

Application Process & 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We're an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.

Qualifications

• Senior Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of Property, Property Director) managing a substantial, geographically diverse commercial property portfolio, ideally within the retail, logistics, or distribution sectors.
• Professional Qualification: Essential professional qualification, such as Fellow or Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS/MRICS), or equivalent recognized professional body.
• Acquisition Expertise: Demonstrable track record of successfully leading and executing complex, high‑value property acquisitions and disposals from a strategic and commercial perspective.
• Leadership & Management: Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with proven ability to build, motivate, and direct a high‑performing team of property professionals and external consultants.
• Commercial Acumen: Outstanding commercial and financial modelling skills, with extensive experience managing large‑scale capital and operational property budgets.
• Legal & Technical Knowledge: Expert‑level knowledge of commercial property law, planning processes, lease structures, and health & safety compliance.
• Stakeholder Management: Superior negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence and manage relationships effectively with senior internal stakeholders and external developers/landlords.