My Career Journey – Haden Sutton
I’ve built my career across 28 countries, leading projects that span real estate development, facilities management, retail expansion, and strategic business growth. Each chapter has given me new skills, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for how vision, process, and people come together to create lasting success.
2000–2004 | Early Foundations – Tesco UK
I began my career at Tesco in the UK, starting on the shop floor in operations. From night replenishment shifts to becoming one of the company’s first Team Leaders, these years gave me an invaluable grounding in customer experience, stock control, and team management.
By 2002, I was managing teams of over 40 people in Tesco’s new dot-com operation. I developed procedures that reduced stock loss and improved operational efficiency—early proof of my ability to spot inefficiencies and design practical solutions.
2004–2009 | Building Scale – Extension Manager, Tesco London
In 2004, I moved into property development, managing large-scale store extensions in London.
My largest achievement was completing an 18-month central London extension—5,000 sqm of retail space—while ensuring minimal disruption to sales. I even stepped in as acting store manager during holiday peaks.
This period taught me how to balance construction demands with operational continuity, a skill that would define much of my later career.
2009–2014 | Expanding Horizons – Tesco Central Europe
Taking on leadership roles in Central Europe, I managed design and development projects across Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary.
As Senior Project Manager (2009–2011), I rebranded multiple Tesco department stores, coordinating design agencies and aligning operational needs with customer expectations.
As Head of Development, Slovakia (2011–2014), I led a team of value managers, planners, and project managers, accountable for a £15m annual budget.
My proudest achievement was delivering the €15m Kosice Extra redevelopment in just 8 months—transforming an aging hypermarket into a new benchmark store for the region.
These years cemented my expertise in budget accountability, cross-functional leadership, and complex stakeholder management.
2014–2015 | Design Leadership – CE Design Manager, Tesco
Moving into Central European Design Management, I oversaw standards and implementation across five countries.
Directed a team of 20+ planning and design managers in CE and India.
Led the rebranding of all signage for marketing and property across the region.
Developed new shop-in-shop retail concepts to enhance customer journeys.
This role was about uniting design, marketing, and operations—bridging creativity with commercial needs.
2015–2022 | European Expansion – Frasers Group
At Frasers Group, I played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion into 17 European countries, based out of Slovakia.
As European Senior Project Manager, I managed the end-to-end process of store openings, from sourcing architects to handover.
As Head of Facilities Management CE, I ensured over 250 stores remained compliant, maintained, and trading to the highest standards.
Delivered more than 50 new stores, managed an €85m capital portfolio, and consistently hit expansion targets.
Here, I combined development and facilities expertise, ensuring both new projects and existing estates ran seamlessly.
2022–2023 | Operational Growth – CAPS Group
I stepped into dual roles as General Manager of Facilities Management CE and Head of Shopfitting at CAPS Group.
Led award-winning FM teams delivering services across Europe.
Directed large-scale shopfitting projects, ensuring first-class delivery for retail clients.
Embedded lean process improvements, boosting productivity and margins.
This was about building teams, driving efficiency, and strengthening reputation in a competitive market.
2023–2024 | Strategic Development – HAST Group
As Director of Business Development, I shifted focus to growth strategy and client acquisition.
Built strong client pipelines, generating over 40 new leads.
Planned and executed marketing initiatives to enhance visibility.
Evaluated business performance and refined strategies with senior leadership.
This role reinforced my ability to combine business development with strategic leadership, ensuring both growth and customer satisfaction.
2024–Present | Shaping the Future – SBA Urban
Today, as European Real Estate Director at SBA Urban, I am leading the company’s first out-of-region expansion.
Secured strategic land acquisitions and developed business cases for new projects.
Redefined Small Business Units (SBUs) for a B2C-driven future.
Streamlined internal processes to build scalable, efficient growth.
This role draws on every skill I’ve developed over my career—strategy, execution, and leadership—to help SBA Urban become a European benchmark in real estate development.
Beyond Work
Outside of my professional life, I’m a keen archer, swimmer, and cyclist. I love spending time outdoors with my children and supporting start-ups, particularly in creative industries like photography and marketing.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
From the shop floor at Tesco to board-level strategy at SBA Urban, my journey has been defined by adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
I’ve learned that success comes from vision, process, and people—and by uniting those three, businesses can scale, teams can thrive, and communities can grow stronger.
⚖️ Disclaimer: This personal blog reflects my own experiences and views, not those of my current or former employers. It is provided for informational purposes only.