Senior Acquisition Manager

BURGERS & FRIES AND INCREDIBLE CAREERS

We're the burger restaurant with the uncomplicated formula: burgers and fries cooked to perfection, with no frozen ingredients. We've stayed true to this approach since our family business began in 1986.

Five Guys is one of the most recognised brands in the UK, established as the leading premium burger operator in the market. With over 175 UK locations, our success is built on fresh, high-quality ingredients and an energetic, open-kitchen experience.

At Five Guys, we live by our five core values, Integrity, Get It Done, Competitive, Family, and Enthusiastic. We're looking for leaders who bring this energy, uphold exceptional standards, and want to win together as part of a high-performing team.

Reporting to:

UK Head of Property, with direct interaction with the senior leadership team including CEO, Property Director, Finance Director, Head of Operations and investors.

Role Overview

As part of our continued UK growth, we are now looking for a Senior Acquisition Manager to play a key role in delivering our ambitious expansion plans. This is a high-impact position, working closely with senior leadership to identify, secure and deliver new locations across the UK. You will be at the forefront of shaping our future estate, with a particular focus on driving growth in out-of-town and drive-thru markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Influence and execute the UK growth and expansion strategy, contributing to delivery of 10+ new locations per year
• Lead end-to-end site acquisition, including sourcing, commercial negotiations, viability appraisals and deal completion
• Prepare board papers and provide clear, structured internal reporting
• Manage landlord relationships to support efficient deal delivery
• Lead relationships with key third-party advisors (agents, legal, licensing, planning)
• Present high-quality insights and data to stakeholders across the business
• Influence and collaborate with internal teams to support delivery of the expansion strategy
• Support optimisation of the existing estate, including relocations, disposals and lease events

Candidate Profile

• Established commercial acquisition specialist with strong UK market knowledge
• Proven track record delivering new store growth at pace across a national network
• Experience across in-town, out-of-town, roadside and drive-thru formats (preferred) within a high-growth F&B or retail business
• Strategic mindset with experience delivering clear expansion plans
• Strong ability to manage deadlines, work collaboratively and independently where required
• Analytical approach with ability to carry out detailed due diligence across multiple data sources
• Highly motivated leader with strong commercial acumen and communication skills
• Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to influence at all levels from store to executive
• Strong understanding of UK commercial property, including lease structures, legal, planning and licensing processes
• Resilient, adaptable and accountable, with a positive, results-driven mindset
• Established network across the UK commercial property market
• Acts as a strong brand ambassador, aligned to Five Guys culture and values

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or equivalent qualification
• MRICS / Chartered Surveyor (preferred)
• Proven experience delivering growth within branded F&B or retail
• Strong UK property market knowledge and network

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus based on performance
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Long service rewards at 5 and 10 years
• Five Guys perks and discounts
• Invitation to annual General Managers conference (recently held in Rome)
• Life assurance
• Private medical cover (Vitality)
• Wellbeing support

Location

• UK based
• Minimum 2 days per week in London Head Office
• UK-wide travel required, including overnight stays where necessary
• Full UK driving licence required