Head of Professional Services

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Lease Advisory to lead our Retail Lease Advisory team in Central London. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for growing a market-leading lease advisory practice, managing a high-performing team, and advising a broad range of landlord and occupier clients across the UK retail sector.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven business development and leadership capabilities, helping shape the future direction of the business while delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the Retail Lease Advisory team, setting strategic objectives and driving performance.
• Mentor, coach and develop surveyors at all levels.
• Contribute to the wider Retail leadership team and business strategy.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the service line.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and best practice.

Client Advisory

• Advise landlords, occupiers, investors and developers on:
• Lease renewals
• Rent reviews
• Lease restructures
• Re-gears
• Break options
• Surrenders
• Dilapidations strategy (where appropriate)
• Lead negotiations on complex and high-value retail property transactions.
• Provide strategic portfolio advice to national and institutional clients.
• Build long-term trusted client relationships.

Business Development

• Identify and win new business opportunities.
• Develop cross-selling opportunities across agency, investment, asset management and valuation teams.
• Build relationships with institutional investors, retailers, landlords and developers.
• Represent the business at industry events and networking functions.
• Prepare fee proposals and participate in client pitches.

Commercial Performance

• Deliver team revenue and profitability targets.
• Manage budgets and resource planning.
• Monitor pipeline and forecast future workload.
• Ensure effective utilisation of the team.

Candidate Profile

Essential

• Chartered Surveyor (MRICS or FRICS).
• Significant experience within Retail Lease Advisory.
• Strong understanding of the Central London and wider UK retail property market.
• Proven experience leading teams.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Commercially focused with a track record of winning new business.
• Excellent client relationship management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.