Acquisition & Development Lead

Acquisition & Development Lead

Location: London, UK

Full-time

About the Business

Urban Rest is a fast-growing challenger brand in the serviced apartment and corporate housing sector, with properties in key cities across the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand - including London, Dublin, Sydney and Melbourne. We are a technology-enabled hospitality brand disrupting a stagnant sector by creating a new category of corporate-ready accommodation that blends the best of hospitality and residential living. With rapid growth, strong customer loyalty, and global expansion underway, this is an exciting opportunity to join a company at a pivotal stage of its journey.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus
• Employee and friends & family discounts at Urban Rest properties
• Flexible hours and the option to work from home when business allows
• ME Days and Volunteer Days available per year
• Monthly social team catch ups and Quarterly team events
• As the company grows, this role will provide plenty of room for career growth and progression
• We’re a social bunch and we strive to have a fun, friendly, and collaborative work environment
• Pet friendly office in London, close to public transport

About the Role

The Acquisitions Director for EMEA is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering Urban Rest’s property growth strategy across the European market. Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Growth EMEA, you will oversee the sourcing, structuring and execution of new property acquisitions while building and managing strategic relationships with developers, asset owners and agents. This role blends strategic vision, commercial negotiation, and hands-on execution, playing a central part in scaling Urban Rest’s portfolio across key urban centres.

Location

This role is based in our London office, with a hybrid working arrangement (3 days per week in the office). Regular UK travel will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Market Development

• Execute the EMEA property acquisition strategy, with responsibility for securing 30+ new units per month through establishment and nurturing of a contact base.
• Identify and pursue opportunities across both established and emerging European markets
• Build and maintain relationships with developers, asset owners, landlords and agents
• Evaluate opportunities across both operational (OpCo) and investment (PropCo) structures
• Lead business analysis on existing portfolio learnings.

Commercial & Deal Execution

• Structure and negotiate agreements including leases, management contracts and hotel management agreements
• Lead due diligence processes and ensure smooth transaction execution
• Work closely with legal counsel on deal documentation and lease negotiation
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate opportunities and portfolio performance
• Assess property opportunities against business criteria for profitability, operational suitability and brand alignment
• Collaborate with onboarding teams to assess FF&E requirements and cost implications
• Oversee handover process to operations, ensuring readiness for go-live
• Produce compelling pitch and investment materials for internal and external stakeholders

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and work with Property Acquisitions Analyst
• Support professional development through guidance, coaching and performance feedback
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with Urban Rest’s values

Required Experience & Skills

• 6+ years’ experience in real estate, hospitality or commercial property acquisitions
• Proven track record of sourcing and closing deals in the UK and wider European markets
• Experience in structuring and negotiating commercial leases and management agreements
• Strong financial modelling skills, with sophistication in Excel
• Comfort working across both PropCo and OpCo structures
• Strong understanding of the EMEA real estate market, particularly in major cities
• Experience leading small teams or mentoring junior colleagues
• Degree in Real Estate, Finance, Commerce or related fields highly regarded
• Prior experience in hospitality, serviced apartments or build-to-rent is advantageous

What We Look For

• Commercially astute with strong deal-making and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinker able to identify and evaluate high-value opportunities
• Relationship builder with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Results-oriented with a track record of delivering to targets
• Team player who collaborates well across functions
• Adaptable and proactive in a fast-paced, scaling environment

Diversity & Inclusion

At Urban Rest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of Indigenous, neurodiverse, disabled, international and diverse cultural backgrounds. We’ll ensure all applicants receive appropriate support and accommodations during the recruitment and onboarding process.

If you require any adjustments or assistance to help you shine as your best self, please let us know - we’re here to support you.

How To Apply

Please submit your application through the link including an up-to-date resume with relevant skills and experience alongside a cover letter addressing how you meet the criteria and your interest in the role. The hiring process includes three interview stages, and we’re looking for an immediate start.

If you want to learn more about our company please see our website -

We look forward to hearing from you!