Senior Estates Manager

The Company Poundstretcher is one of the UK’s leading discount retailers with a network of over 300 stores. About the Role We are seeking a commercially driven Senior Estates Manager to take ownership of our circa 300-store UK and NI retail estate within a fast-paced discount retail environment. This is a pivotal role focused on reducing occupancy costs, maximising lease flexibility, and ensuring our estate supports a high-performing, cost-efficient trading model. You will lead all lease-related activity and play a key role in shaping the long-term profitability and resilience of the portfolio. Key Responsibilities Lease Event Management & Value Optimisation * Lead all lease events across the estate including rent reviews, renewals, break options, regears, and expiries. * Maintain a proactive lease events pipeline to protect value and maximise flexibility. * Negotiate rent reductions, turnover-based rent structures, and improved lease terms aligned to the business model. * Challenge service charges and non-recoverable costs to drive efficiency. * Manage landlord relationships while maintaining a strong commercial stance on cost control. * Lead escalated lease disputes in collaboration with legal advisors where required. Portfolio Performance & Strategy * Partner with Maintenance and Operations teams to assess store performance and inform property decisions. * Support strategic initiatives including store closures, relocations, downsizing, and new openings based on profitability. Financial Oversight * Own and maintain the rent roll, ensuring accuracy and alignment with budgets. * Deliver measurable savings against occupancy cost targets. * Support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting with clear insight into estate liabilities and opportunities. Data, Systems & Compliance * Ensure full integrity of lease data across property management systems. * Track all critical lease events and deadlines to mitigate risk and avoid missed opportunities. * Oversee dilapidations strategy to minimise exit costs. Qualifications * Degree in Real Estate, Property Management, or equivalent experience. * MRICS qualified (preferred but not essential). Experience * Proven experience managing large retail estates (discount retail, grocery, or high-volume retail preferred). * Strong track record of delivering rent reductions and favourable lease negotiations. * Experience operating in a commercially driven, cost-sensitive environment. Key Skills & Competencies * Expert understanding of Landlord & Tenant legislation. * Strong commercial acumen with a focus on cost control and value creation. * Confident negotiator with resilience and commercial toughness. * Ability to manage a large, complex, and fast-moving portfolio. * Detail-focused with strong financial and analytical capability. * Pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to problem solving. Why Join Us At Poundstretcher, you’ll play a critical role in shaping a large UK retail estate and directly influencing business performance. This is an opportunity to drive real commercial impact in a dynamic, fast-paced value retail environment