Conversation with… Sarah Taitt, chief property & services officer at Wickes
In this latest Conversations interview, Sarah Taitt, Chief Property & Services Officer at Wickes, talks about her career journey to date, the power of mentoring, her approach to retail property, and how Wickes is shaping spaces that support customers, colleagues and communities.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey and what led you to your role as Chief Property & Services Officer at Wickes?
My journey hasn’t been linear, and that’s precisely what’s made it so rewarding. I actually studied law before pivoting into commercial roles, and over the years I’ve worked across procurement, operations, and international buying, before moving into property and broader services leadership. Each chapter taught me something different about how businesses run – but more importantly, how people thrive.
What led me to Wickes was the opportunity to shape something with real substance. We’re a business that’s growing, transforming, and deeply committed to our people. As Chief Property & Services Officer, I have the privilege of helping to shape the spaces our customers shop in and that our colleagues call home. That blend of strategy, operations and human connection is what keeps me energised every day.
Subscribe to TRBWhat do you enjoy about the property side of retail, and how has your perspective on the sector evolved over the years?
Retail property is so much more than bricks and mortar – it’s a platform for creating environments that connect people to possibility. What excites me most is the tangible impact: we can take a space, reimagine it, and watch it come to life in a way that genuinely changes how people feel and shop.
Over the years, my perspective has shifted from purely transactional to transformational. Property used to be seen as a fixed asset – now it’s a dynamic platform for growth, inclusion, sustainability and innovation. At Wickes, we’re not just opening new stores – we’re investing in formats that reduce carbon, support local communities, and create a better experience for every customer who walks through the door.
We know you believe in the power of mentorship. Can you tell us about the help and support you provide in nurturing the next generations of leaders in retail?
Mentorship is deeply important to me because I know what it’s like to navigate this industry without a blueprint. At Wickes, we’ve built a culture where mentoring isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ it’s part of how we operate. Through external programmes like Building the Future, our internal apprenticeship scheme and networks, we’re creating genuine pathways for growth, especially for those who may not have traditionally seen themselves represented in leadership.
Personally, I mentor both formally and informally, across the business and beyond. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about creating space where people feel seen, heard, and backed. The most powerful thing we can do as leaders is to show others what’s possible and then help them get there on their own terms.
What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in your career so far?
One of the biggest lessons is that you don’t have to be the loudest voice to make the biggest impact. True influence comes from consistency, authenticity, and how you show up for others. I’ve also learned that careers don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. The setbacks teach you as much as the successes, often more. And as a working parent and black woman in leadership, I’ve had to learn how to define success on my own terms and create space for others to do the same.
How would you describe Wickes’ current property strategy, and what role does it play in the wider growth of the business?
Our property strategy is built on three core principles: strategic growth, sustainability, and customer experience. By opening new stores, rolling out refits with strong returns, and investing in initiatives like solar panels, EV chargers, and air-source heat pumps, we’re driving long-term value both environmentally and commercially.
Property at Wickes is more than just a support function it’s a growth engine. Every site we open or reimagine is a chance to grow our brand, support our tradespeople, and deepen our community footprint. We’re building for the long term!
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to build a career in retail property?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to get stuck in. This is a sector where you learn by doing so, take every opportunity to shadow, contribute, and ask questions. Technical skills are important, but what sets you apart is your ability to collaborate, think commercially, and see the bigger picture.
Finally, my best advice is to not wait to feel ‘ready.’ You don’t need to tick every box to bring immense value to a new role or opportunity. If you lead with integrity, stay open to feedback, and build relationships rooted in trust, your career will take you further than you imagine.
