Acquisition Manager

Do you want to be part of a community and grow a career? At Southern Co-op we work hard because we want to do well and the more successful we are the more we can give back to our members and communities - that s the beauty of a co-operative.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Acquisition Manager to join our team. You will support the Cobra Coffee Starbucks franchise business through the sourcing and securing of new restaurant and coffee sites - growing the existing acquisitions pipeline with a suitable mix of drive thru/to developments and High Street opportunities. This field based role will be predominantly covering the South East, therefore we anticipate your existing contacts and professional network in this area will be vital to your success.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Proactively identify and secure opportunities; negotiate retail unit size, space, specification and lease terms to meet the needs of Cobra Coffee and its Franchise commitments with Starbucks, and to obtain best return on investment.
• Manage property agents to identify and deliver targets - building a network of regional contacts through agency, landlord, developers and occupiers to drive numbers of acquisitions across all store types. Regularly review service levels and fee scales
• Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build and maintain a strong growth strategy for Cobra Coffee s trading territory, using knowledge and understanding of the business model and Starbucks brand requirements.
• Prepare robust, fully-evaluated proposals for approval; taking ownership of the subsequent papers and presentation to Board.
• Conduct and conclude deal negotiations, utilising legal and professional advisors as necessary, ensuring proactive communication and liaison across all parties.
• Ensure projects are progressed at the maximum pace consistent with professional due diligence to deliver financial benefits at the earliest possible time.

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• A well-networked individual within the real estate sector with extensive experience of the retail property market, site acquisition and development processes, ideally with a strong knowledge of the restaurant and coffee/roadside markets.
• Good geographical knowledge of the UK retail landscape generally with a strong emphasis on Cobra Coffee s target trading territory and strategic focus areas.
• A pragmatic approach to combining data outputs with observation and experience to produce rapid, sound commercial judgments on site and business opportunities.
• A skilled and tactful negotiator; effective in a variety of scenarios, from dealing with national developers through to independent landlords and business owners.
• Excellent presentation skills and confident in situations where conflict may arise, eg public consultation meetings.
• Preferably be qualified with a real estate-related degree and be a member of the RICS.
• Car driver, prepared to travel extensively across the south of England including occasional overnight stops.

If you'd like to know more about Cobra Coffee and our plans for the future, please visit

If you re passionate about property acquisition and have a background in a fast-paced environment then we would love to hear from you. In return, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package; including an incentive at completion for site acquisition, as well as the opportunity to develop your skills and grow your career.