Estates Manager - JD Outdoor

TN United Kingdom; Bury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a proactive Estates Manager to oversee a diverse property portfolio across the UK. In this pivotal role, you will drive profitability through effective estate management, negotiate lease renewals, and identify strategic growth opportunities. Your expertise will be crucial in managing store closures and maintaining stakeholder communication. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and strategic thinking, and play a key role in shaping the future of property management for a leading retail group. If you're ready to make a significant impact, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a diverse property portfolio across various locations.
• Strong negotiation skills for lease renewals and rent reviews.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate rent reviews and manage property costs effectively.
• Prepare reports for monthly board meetings and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Property Management

Negotiation Skills

Stakeholder Communication

Financial Reporting

Education

Degree in Real Estate or Property Management

Professional Qualification (e.g., MRICS)

Tools

Horizon Property Management System

Lucernex Property Management System

Outdoor Property Database

Job description

Job Title: Estates Manager

Reporting to: JD Outdoors’ Director of Property, working closely with the JD Group Estates Team. The candidate will assist in delivering the Property Strategy for GO Outdoors, Blacks, Millets, and other JD Outdoors businesses, aiming to drive profitability through proactive estate management.

The JD Outdoors estate includes approximately 250 stores, comprising freeholds, leaseholds, and flexible tenancies across high street, shopping centre, retail park, and standalone locations. The Estates Manager will oversee the day-to-day management of this estate across the UK, IOM, and Channel Islands, supporting the Director of Property in strategic growth initiatives.

Location: JD Group, Hollins Brook Way, Pilsworth, BL9 8RR. Nationwide travel required.

Working rota: Monday to Friday

Working hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, 40 hours per week.

What You'll Be Doing:

As an Estates Manager, you will:

• Negotiate rent reviews, lease renewals, and break options to manage property costs and enhance profitability.
• Identify regear opportunities to reduce occupational costs and generate incentives for investment.
• Manage rebranding of small format stores to the GO Outdoors Express Concept, securing landlord permissions through negotiations of licences where applicable.
• Handle store closures, including dilapidations negotiations, and keep all stakeholders informed.
• Support the Property Director with strategic growth opportunities.
• Maintain ownership of the Outdoor Property Database and the JD Group Horizon / Lucernex Property Management System.
• Prepare reports for monthly board meetings.
• Authorize invoices for rent and service charges, ensuring correct payment of turnover-linked rents.
• Liaise with Maintenance and Health & Safety teams regarding ongoing and necessary works.
• Assist with upcoming financial year-end budgeting.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including Retail Operations, stores, Finance, Maintenance, H&S, Property Invoicing, Utilities, and external legal, service charge, dilapidations, and rating advisors.