Head of Properties - UK & ROI

About the Role

The Head of Properties UK & ROI is responsible for overseeing and managing the entire property portfolio within UK ROI Region and Europe (Direct to Consumers), including real estate investments, development projects, and facilities management. This leadership role involves strategic planning, acquisition, development, leasing, and maintenance of all properties. The Head of Properties will ensure that the property assets align with the business goals, deliver optimal returns, and meet all regulatory and safety standards.

Dimensions

• Financial: Significant direct/indirect responsibility on budgets and revenue for UK ROI Region and Europe
• People: Managing the overall Properties team of Estates, Facilities and Property Design
• Impact the job has on the business: Portfolio of c300 properties. Significant impact across multiple dimensions of the business - financial performance, strategic growth, operational efficiency, and corporate reputation.

Accountabilities

• Strategic Planning & Management:
  • Develop and execute the property portfolio strategy in line with the overall business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for expansion, optimisation, and improvement of the property portfolio.
• Lead long-term planning efforts, including real estate acquisition, development, and divestment strategies.
• Property Acquisition & Development:
• Oversee the identification and acquisition of new properties, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Manage property development projects from inception to completion, including budgeting, design, construction, and project management.
• Coordinate with external consultants, contractors, and local authorities to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Manage and optimise the performance of the property portfolio, maximising returns on investment.
• Ensure all properties are maintained to a high standard, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Oversee leasing activities, including tenant management, contract negotiations, and rental optimisation.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for the properties department, including capital expenditures and operational expenses.
• Monitor financial performance of the property portfolio, ensuring targets are met or exceeded.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and investment analysis for senior management.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary property team
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all properties comply with all legal requirements, including safety, health, and environmental standards.
• Manage risk across the property portfolio, including insurance, liability, and legal matters.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including landlords, investors, government agencies, and key partners.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all property-related matters, representing the business in negotiations and public forums.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., MRICS, CPM, CCIM) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in property management, real estate development, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing large and diverse property portfolios.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate markets, property laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a results-driven approach and a focus on long-term growth and value creation
• Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

About Clarks

Two brothers, a small town, and shoes that changed the world. Based in Somerset, England, Clarks has redefined shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts and forever transformed the future of footwear.

Sparking revolutions and defining generations, our archive of over 25,000 shoes includes the inimitable Clarks Desert Boot and Clarks Wallabee. And every pair we design today uses the same ground-breaking combination of invention and craftsmanship that started it all.

Progress is woven into our DNA. Whether we're pioneering cutting-edge comfort technologies, championing social change, or working on trailblazing collaborations with cultural icons and KOLs, we're always striding forward.

Join us in 2025 as we celebrate 200 years of giving people the freedom to move comfortably, proudly commemorating our legacy of craft, innovation, and impact - and looking boldly ahead, too.