Head of Estates

Five Guys; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading burger restaurant chain in the UK is seeking a seasoned property professional to manage and drive performance for their estate of approximately 175 restaurants. The ideal candidate will possess MRICS qualifications with significant experience in commercial leasing. Responsibilities include overseeing budgets, managing relationships, and ensuring compliance across the estate. This role offers a competitive bonus structure and a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Bonus based on business performance

Private healthcare & dental care

Life assurance

Participation in a pension scheme

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Long service award

Team building activities

Qualifications

• A seasoned property professional with UK commercial lease experience, preferably in hospitality.
• Confident negotiator and relationship-builder who can influence at all levels.
• Highly organised and detail-focused, with strong budgeting and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the management and performance of the UK estate.
• Drive cost efficiencies in business rates and insurance.
• Lead and develop a direct report, setting KPIs and supporting career growth.

Skills

Property management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Budgeting

Data analysis

Education

MRICS / Chartered Surveyor

Job description

Overview

BURGERS & FRIES AND INCREDIBLE CAREERS! We’re the burger restaurant with the uncomplicated formula: burgers and fries cooked to perfection, with no frozen ingredients. And we’ve stuck to the same “perfect and serve” philosophy since our family business began in 1986. Five Guys are one of the most recognised brands in the UK and known for being the best premium burger operator in the market and now trading from over 175 UK locations. These days, we’re still just as much a family as we always have been. We have tons of integrity, we’re enthusiastic. we’re competitive and we just get it done – whatever the challenge.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Own the management and performance of our UK estate (c.175 restaurants)
• Lead lease renewals, expiries, rent reviews, break options, regears and relocations
• Build and manage landlord relationships across all levels – from independent owners to large institutional landlords
• Drive cost efficiencies in business rates, service charges, and insurance
• Champion proactive asset management strategies to unlock long-term value and EBITDA improvements
• Manage internal and external relationships across Legal, Ops, Finance, Construction, Supply Chain, IT, and more
• Oversee the estates budget (c. 45m) and property payments
• Ensure compliance, condition and data accuracy across the estate
• Lead and develop a direct report (Estates Surveyor), setting KPIs and supporting career growth
• Regularly report to the CEO, FD, and senior leadership team

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• A seasoned property professional (MRICS / Chartered Surveyor) with UK commercial lease experience, preferably in hospitality, retail or multi-site environments
• Strategic and analytical, with a proven track record of driving estate performance and value
• A confident negotiator and relationship-builder who can influence at all levels
• Highly organised and detail-focused, with strong budgeting and reporting skills
• A credible leader and coach who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment
• Commercially aware, legally astute, and comfortable making big decisions
• A natural team player who can balance business needs with our fun, down-to-earth culture
• Confident with property systems, data, and estate performance analytics

REWARDS & BENEFITS

• Bonus based on business performance.
• Private healthcare & dentalcare (through Vitality)
• Life assurance – your family is part of our family.
• Participation in a pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Long service award (increased annual leave and maternity after 3 years of service).
• Team building activities on yearly, quarterly and seasonal basis.
• While we can’t put a price on it – we know you’ll love our culture!