Real Estate Development Manager - Retail - UK & Ireland Hertfordshire HQ | Regular UK Travel | Competitive Salary | Excellent Benefits A leading global retailer brand is seeking an experienced Real Estate Development Manager to drive strategic expansion across the UK & Ireland. With an established portfolio of 70 UK stores and ambitious growth plans, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of the brand's retail presence. This is a full-time, permanent position reporting to the Real Estate Director, requiring frequent travel for site selection, negotiations, and industry events. The Role: As the Real Estate Development Manager, you will be responsible for identifying and securing prime retail locations to support the company's continued expansion. Your key duties will include: Site Identification & Expansion - Creating a target list of potential locations, conducting site assessments, and negotiating lease terms. Strategic Planning - Aligning new site selection with business objectives, market analysis, and financial viability. End-to-End Project Management - Managing new store developments from site identification through legal processes to store opening, in collaboration with design, construction, and maintenance teams. Lease Renewals & Portfolio Management - Overseeing lease renewals and optimising the existing store estate. Stakeholder Collaboration - Working closely with the European and wider teams to ensure strategic alignment. Regular Travel - Attending site visits, industry conferences, and key meetings across the UK & Ireland (approx. 50% travel). What You'll Need: Proven experience in retail real estate site selection & analysis within a multi-site retail or leisure environment. Strong negotiation skills, with a commercial mindset and ability to secure prime retail locations. Excellent analytical skills with a data-driven approach to site selection and market analysis. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to manage multiple projects, problem-solve, and adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across cross-functional teams. What's in It for You? This role offers a fantastic package and benefits, including: Car Allowance or Company Car Performance-Based Bonus Employee Share Purchase Plan - Buy shares at a discounted rate Private Healthcare & Digital GP Service Income Protection & Life Assurance 50% Discount Much More This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a fast-growing global brand, shaping its retail expansion strategy across the UK & Ireland. Ready to take the next step? Apply now At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.