Senior Estates Manager

About CVS Group

CVS Group plc is one of the UK's leading integrated veterinary services providers, with around 500 practices and a broad network of support teams across the UK and Australia. At CVS, people are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering high-quality services, supporting career development, and creating an environment where colleagues can learn, grow, and thrive.

The Role

The Senior Estates Manager will provide senior leadership and strategic oversight across a diverse operational property portfolio. They will lead complex rent reviews, lease renewals, acquisitions, disposals, restructures and strategic estate management activity and ensure the portfolio is optimised operationally, financially and strategically to support long-term business objectives. They will also act as a senior subject matter expert for property matters, advising internal stakeholders and supporting key governance decisions.

Please note: this is a home based role with travel to CVS sites across England.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for lease surrenders, minimising liabilities and maximising commercial outcomes
• Direct and oversee asset disposals, including property sales, lease assignments and strategic exit plans
• Manage senior relationships with agents, solicitors, landlords and internal stakeholders throughout transaction processes
• Identify, assess and present new acquisition opportunities aligned with business strategy and governance requirements
• Oversee acquisition activity end-to-end, including due diligence, negotiations, approvals and completion
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure property assets support service delivery, operational efficiency and customer outcomes
• Provide senior property expertise on operational issues, including maintenance, compliance, risk, sustainability and space utilisation
• Lead budgeting and forecasting input for the estate, ensuring robust financial planning and reporting
• Monitor and challenge property costs, income and value performance, escalating risks and opportunities as appropriate
• Deliver cost-saving initiatives, value-enhancing opportunities and portfolio rationalisation recommendations
• Ensure the estate complies with all relevant legislation, lease obligations, governance standards and internal policies
• Maintain oversight of material risks associated with lease obligations, property ownership and portfolio change
• Prepare concise reports, recommendations and business cases for senior stakeholders and approval forums

Key Skills and Experience:

• MRICS qualified (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) (Desirable)
• Significant experience managing large, complex and operational property portfolios
• Proven ability to lead complex negotiations and deliver measurable commercial value
• Strong senior stakeholder management, influencing and presentation skills
• Excellent commercial awareness, financial acumen and understanding of property governance
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining close to operational delivery
• Experience coaching, mentoring or leading property professionals is desirable

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package (including a company car or car allowance)
• Buy/sell holiday scheme
• Access to learning, education and development opportunities to support progression
• A supportive network with strong collaboration across teams and functions
• Wellbeing support and colleague-focused policies
• The opportunity to be part of a growing organisation focused on continuous improvement

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.