Property Lead

Overview

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Lead
Final date to receive applications: Monday 2nd February 2026

About Us Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail
, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, . Not only is  the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado
, our same-day grocery delivery service.

The Network Development and Property team is the driving force behind capacity and responsible for developing the most efficient property network in online groceries. We play a critical role in Ocado Retail’s growth and we have the opportunity to push boundaries and make a huge impact on Ocado Retail’s profitability.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Property Lead to lead the team, provide strategic oversight and operational management across our property portfolio. This vital role has accountability for all aspects of property acquisition, development and asset management.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of the commercial property market, and a proven track record in portfolio management and strategic site sourcing. You will be responsible for ensuring the physical quality, health, and safety of properties, managing property law compliance, and providing strategic advice to optimise business performance and facilitate growth through new site acquisition.

Property Strategy & Leadership

• Strategic Planning:
  Define, develop, and execute the comprehensive, long-term property strategy for Ocado Retail, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and rapid growth requirements.
• Team Leadership:
  Lead, mentor, and manage the internal property team (including Asset Managers and support staff) and external professional consultant network, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Executive Reporting:
  Act as the primary interface for property matters to the Executive and Board, providing insightful analysis, recommendations, and performance updates.
• Budget & Finance:
  Define, control, and deliver the annual property capital and operating expenditure budgets, focusing on value creation and cost minimisation.

Acquisition, Disposal, and Portfolio Management

• Acquisition Strategy:
  Lead the process for identifying, evaluating, and securing new operational sites (e.g., Customer Fulfilment Centres, spoke sites, etc.) required for business expansion, managing the entire lifecycle from initial sourcing to successful completion.
• Transaction Negotiation:
  Personally lead and oversee complex, high-value property negotiations, including lease terms, freehold acquisitions, and development agreements.
• Portfolio Optimisation:
  Proactively manage the existing portfolio, identifying opportunities for lease restructuring, disposal of non-strategic assets, or strategic re-gearing to enhance portfolio value and flexibility.
• Development Management:
  Oversee the successful planning, execution, and delivery of major property development and refurbishment projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.

Estate Management & Compliance

• Occupier & Landlord Relations:
  Direct the management of all occupier responsibilities and maintain strategic relationships with key landlords and property partners.
• Risk Management:
  
  Ensure rigorous compliance with all property law, planning regulations, health and safety legislation, and environmental standards across the entire estate.
• Operational Excellence:
  Implement and maintain best-in-class property management systems, processes, and data governance to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.
• Cost Control:
  Drive substantial fixed cost savings initiatives across all property outgoings, including rates, service charges, rent, and utilities.

• Senior
  
  Experience:
  
  Proven experience in…