Head of Property and Facilities Management

At Hotel Chocolat, we're more than just chocolatiers. We craft experiences, delight in detail, and believe in making every space as exceptional as our chocolate. As we embark on an ambitious store opening programme, we're looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking Head of Property and Facilities Management to ensure our growing estate remains as inviting, efficient, and well-maintained as our products are delicious. This is a pivotal role for someone ready to lead with vision and strategy during a period of remarkable growth and innovation. Here at Hotel Chocolat, we've adopted a hybrid working pattern where appropriate. For this role it blends a mix of travel across our UK estate, remote working and time spent in our Head Office once a week. Our Head Office 'Mint House' in Royston, Hertfordshire, has been our home since 1994; just off the A505, ten minutes' walk from Royston Train station and commutable from London Kings Cross. What You'll Be Doing….

• Leading the charge on our new store opening programme, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to deliver beautifully designed and operationally efficient spaces on time and within budget.
• Leading and overseeing contract and lease negotiations, ensuring favourable terms that align with Hotel Chocolat's growth strategy and financial goals for both new stores and the existing estate.
• Identifying new store opportunities and building the future store opening pipeline as well as regularly reviewing the existing estate and horizon scanning for new opportunities to upsize, refresh or relocate to acquire additional customers and / or grow profitable sales.
• Applying your knowledge and experience in property law and planning to navigate legal and regulatory requirements, enabling smooth project delivery and operational compliance.
• Lead and own relationships with 3rd parties such as Property Agents, Solicitors and Landlords.
• Taking ownership of the maintenance and repair of all Hotel Chocolat properties, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience for customers and colleagues alike.
• Implementing value engineering principles to optimise costs without compromising quality, sustainability, or design integrity.
• Developing and executing strategies to improve energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness across our expanding property portfolio.
• Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and legal standards, because we believe in creating spaces that are safe, welcoming, and inspiring.
• Managing budgets with precision, ensuring every pound spent delivers value and aligns with our values.
• Anticipating future needs and planning proactively to support the continued growth of Hotel Chocolat.
  
  Proven experience in property and facilities management, ideally within retail, hospitality, or multi-site environments.
• A strong track record in delivering new store openings, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines and stakeholders.
• Expertise in contract and lease negotiations, property law, and planning, with the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams to achieve their best.
• A passion for sustainability and innovation, always seeking ways to improve and make a difference.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage complex budgets and projects, including value engineering.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges.
Desirable
• RICS qualified - Member of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
  
  We're one of the UK's favourite premium chocolate brands, with a range of products spanning luxury gifts, alcohol and our pioneering drinking chocolate system, the Velvetiser .
A cacao pod takes years to grow - it can't be rushed if it's going to be just right for our products. The same can be said for Hotel Chocolat, which originally started as a mint production company before we realised it was luxury chocolate that we were really passionate about. Now, we're market leaders in the industry. What began as an online-only business grew to over 140 stores across the UK, and we're still growing… Today, we're multi-category, multi-channel, and multi-territory, and our customers, colleagues, cacao farmers and suppliers all benefit from the success we make together. To learn more about us and read about our People Pledge - our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion - click here: hotelchocolat.com/uk/engaged-ethics/our-people.html Hotel Chocolat

As well as a competitive salary and company benefits, you'll receive 50% discount on all products, and a delicious 70% discount for you and your guests when you stay at our Rabot Estate hideaway on the paradise island of Saint Lucia.