Case Study | Head of BTR

Client Overview

A major UK residential property developer with an established housebuilding operation was expanding into the Build to Rent sector, requiring a newly created Head of BTR to shape and lead its BTR strategy. The role carried responsibility for overseeing the development of purpose-built rental communities, establishing operational frameworks for long-term asset management, and positioning the business as a credible market leader in the competitive BTR sector.

The Challenge

The role demanded an exceptional leader with experience across both residential operations and asset management — a rare combination in the UK property market. The ideal candidate needed to demonstrate commercial acumen, operational expertise in residential property management, and the strategic vision to define and drive a BTR function for a large-scale developer. The competitive nature of the BTR talent market required strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Our Approach

Leadership The search was led by an experienced consultant with extensive networks across the residential development and BTR sectors. Their understanding of the client's culture and business objectives was central to identifying candidates who would align with the long-term vision for the BTR platform.

Methodology

• Talent Mapping
• Consultative Process
• Executive Search Framework

Results

• 90% shortlist-to-interview conversion rate
• Search completed within seven weeks from initiation to offer acceptance
• Successfully placed a candidate bringing both residential development expertise and institutional BTR experience

Key Success Factors

A comprehensive market mapping exercise across the UK BTR sector identified both active and passive candidates, with multiple engagement channels used to ensure a diverse and high-quality talent pool. In-depth consultative sessions with the client's leadership team shaped detailed candidate personas and bespoke assessment frameworks — while a retained model with dedicated resources ensured the search was executed with the rigour this critical appointment demanded.