Director, Founder’s Office (Real Estate & Expansion)

Nine Elms, London - Full-time (Friday, Hybrid)

We are seeking an exceptional and commercially driven Director, Founder’s Office (Real Estate & Expansion) to take full ownership of Zapp's warehouse network growth strategy at the most senior level. This is a significant leadership opportunity for an accomplished real estate professional to operate with strategic autonomy, shaping the decisions, partnerships, and transactions that will define Zapp's physical infrastructure for years to come.

This position demands outstanding organisational and communication skills, sound commercial judgment, and a demonstrable track record of anticipating business needs, managing complex competing priorities, and converting market opportunities into high-impact real estate outcomes that directly support operational growth.

As a key member of Zapp's senior leadership team, you will establish the long-term vision for our industrial real estate footprint, lead the most critical and high-value negotiations across the business, and serve as the authoritative voice on property market strategy. You will act as the principal interface between executive leadership and the property market, working in close collaboration with Operations, Legal, Finance to ensure all real estate decisions are commercially rigorous, strategically aligned, and positioned to support Zapp's ambition to redefine convenience retail at scale.

About Zapp:

Zapp is London’s leading premium convenience retail platform. Founded in 2020, our vision is to disrupt the multi-trillion dollar convenience retail market, currently dominated by major players, by developing best-in-class customer-centric technology and fulfilment solutions. Zapp partners with some of the world’s leading brands to deliver an exclusive range of hand-picked products 24/7, delivered in minutes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and own Zapp's long-term warehouse real estate strategy, aligning property acquisition plans with business growth objectives.

• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of real estate managers and analysts, setting clear goals and fostering a high-performance culture.

• Present strategic recommendations, investment cases, and portfolio updates to the Executive Leadership Team and Board.

• Oversee end-to-end site selection and leasing activity for new warehouse and distribution facilities across defined geographies.

• Lead and personally negotiate the most complex and high-value heads of terms, lease agreements, rent reviews, and lease renewals to secure commercially favourable outcomes.

• Proactively source and evaluate suitable industrial properties through agents, landlords, developers, and off-market channels.

• Conduct and direct thorough site assessments, evaluating location, size, specification, access, planning status, and operational suitability.

• Take full accountability for Zapp’s leasehold warehouse portfolio, ensuring compliance, managing lease events, and maintaining accurate systems for lease data and critical dates.

Requirements:

• Significant senior-level experience in industrial/logistics real estate, either in-house with a high-growth occupier or within a leading property consultancy.

• Demonstrable track record of leading complex, high-value leasing and negotiation of warehouse, distribution, or logistics facilities.

• Deep expertise in the UK industrial and logistics property landscape, with an established network of market relationships.

• Exceptional negotiation skills with a history of securing strategically and commercially superior lease terms.

• Strong financial acumen, including advanced property cost modelling, business case development, and P&L awareness.

• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing real estate teams.

• Executive-level communication and influencing skills, with comfort presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary & equity package.

• Enjoy 25 days of holiday per year (plus all bank holidays).

• Private Health Insurance.

• Extended sick pay and maternity/paternity leave pay.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangement

If you are a commercially driven senior leader who thrives on securing strategic sites, leading high-stakes negotiations, and shaping the physical footprint of a fast-growing, high-ambition business, we encourage you to apply!