Interim Estates

Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim, his mission was simple, to make fresh and flavorsome sushi and bento available to everyone. Almost 20 years later Wasabi have 40 successful branches across London, other UK major cities and New York.

The journey continued in 2019 with the launch of Wasabi Home Bento exclusively into Sainsbury's. After several years of great success there, the grocery business expanded launching into Tesco in September 2022. Wasabi has now firmly established itself as the No2 chilled ready meal brand and a driver of significant market growth. And we’re just getting started. The leadership team have set out their 5 year strategy which encompasses company growth, franchise and international expansion.

Our menu is renowned for its distinctiveness, freshness and flavour. The cold food range of sushi, pokes and salads are made fresh daily in our branch kitchens and our hot bento, noodle bowls and soups offer an indulgent and comforting alternative to our broad and democratic demographic.

As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for an Interim Estates & Acquisitions Manager to join our Property Team based in Park Royal. This is a 4 month fixed term contract.

The Role:

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all existing portfolio activity, securing optimum terms and managing the pipeline and delivery of new sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage existing lease activity; rent reviews, lease renewals, re-gears, relocations, disposals and all other lease events to achieve optimum terms and portfolio stability.
• Manage the property database ensuring that all information is accurate, up to date and accessible, providing comprehensive advice and instruction to internal and external parties to achieve timely and accurate execution of all property obligations.
• Work closely with finance colleagues and external providers ensuring the accurate and timely payment of all rents, rates, service charges, licences and other liabilities, resolving disputes and queries and approving payments in line with lease obligations.
• Communicate effectively with landlords and their representatives regarding lease issues, consents and ad-hoc matters raised by the business, optimising landlord relationships and minimising costs and disruption to operations.
• Manage and instruct legal professionals, ratings advisors, agents and other external parties to achieve statutory and legal compliance and optimum property efficiencies.
• Proactively drive continuous improvements and efficiencies within the Property team, cross functionally and with external providers, optimising processes, procedures and communications.
• Manage the property budget and produce regular accurate reports in line with the internal financial year and business objectives.
• Work closely with the Head of Property (HOP) to produce regular and ad-hoc reports and presentations to achieve internal visibility, stakeholder support and Board approval across all property activity.
• Learn and understand Wasabi trading models, formats, brand positioning, NSO performance criteria, competitors and the existing estate to inform the targeting of optimum new sites.
• Support the HOP in developing and refining the network strategy and pipeline programme in line with Wasabi growth objectives. Maintain pipeline trackers, reports and presenters.
• Use industry and market knowledge, industry resources and data, working closely with external location mapping suppliers and software to identify, interrogate and verify potential new sites.
• Manage property agents to identify and deliver targets. Utilise a network of national property contacts (landlords, occupiers, developers) in order identify and optimise opportunities.
• Carry out all appropriate due diligence regarding new site assessments, taking advise from legal and other professionals prior to preparing for internal review and approvals.
• Work with the HOP, Property, Ops & Finance to analyse opportunities. Prepare detailed reports, financial appraisals and presentations for internal review and board approval.
• Support the HOP in negotiations to secure new premises and achieve optimum terms. Process through Heads of Terms to legal completion, utilising legal and professional advisors as necessary.
• Lead appropriate processes to obtain all necessary permissions, planning consents and licenses, to enable fitting out and operations in line with lease terms and statutory conditions.
• Collaborate with internal functions; Design, PMs, Ops, Marketing, Facilities, Finance through feasibility, development, planning, LFAs, capex applications and through to completion of fit-out and openings, supplying advice and information to ensure on time, on budget on brand success of new sites.

Our requirements:

• MRICS qualified – with demonstrable PQE within a multi-site retail, hospitality, F&B or QSR environment
• Working knowledge of property law, associated processes, obligations and legislation
• Commercially astute and aware of business imperatives, with a growth mind set and clear focus on delivering results and exceeding customer expectations.
• Professional, open and friendly with the ability to represent the business to external parties at all levels.
• Proactive, flexible and able to manage a broad range of responsibilities and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Approachable and able to thrive in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with exemplary attention to detail.
• Highly numerate and analytical, with advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office suite.

In return we provide:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Hybrid working model
• Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.

Our people make us who we are. Join a company where you’ll have the opportunity to work for a growing company and build a real career.

COME ROLL WITH US