Application Guide

How to Apply for Expansion Manager UK

at Fastned

🏢 About Fastned

Fastned is a pioneering European fast-charging network that operates on 100% renewable energy, aiming to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. Their mission-driven approach, combined with a strong track record in building and operating charging stations across multiple countries, offers a unique opportunity to shape the UK's EV infrastructure from the ground up.

About This Role

As Expansion Manager UK, you will lead site acquisition and development for Fastned’s rapid expansion in the UK, identifying and securing prime locations for high-power charging hubs. Your work directly impacts the accessibility of EV charging, driving the company's growth and contributing to the UK's net-zero goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing pipeline deals and negotiating terms with a landowner via call, followed by a site visit to assess a potential location. Afternoon could involve a cross-functional meeting with design and legal teams to finalize a contract, and end with updating stakeholders on project timelines.

🎯 Who Fastned Is Looking For

  • A seasoned commercial real estate professional with 5+ years in site acquisition, ideally in roadside, retail, or infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record of closing complex deals.
  • Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) or equivalent, with deep knowledge of UK property law, planning, and valuation.
  • Extensive network of contacts across landowners, developers, local authorities, and commercial agents, enabling quick identification of opportunities.
  • Strong negotiator and problem-solver, comfortable managing multiple deals simultaneously and navigating cross-functional teams.

📝 Tips for Applying to Fastned

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific site acquisition deals you closed in the UK, especially those involving roadside or retail locations, and quantify results (e.g., number of sites, square footage, value).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with EV charging or renewable energy projects, even if tangential, to show industry alignment.

3

Demonstrate your network by naming a few relevant contacts or partnerships you’ve built in the UK property market.

4

Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally by describing a project where you coordinated with legal, design, and construction teams.

5

Research Fastned’s existing UK sites and mention how your experience could help replicate or improve their acquisition model.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for sustainable mobility and alignment with Fastned’s mission to accelerate EV adoption.', 'Specific examples of site acquisition deals you led, emphasizing your negotiation skills and ability to secure complex locations.', 'Your established network in the UK property sector, particularly with landowners and local authorities relevant to EV infrastructure.', 'Your understanding of the UK EV charging market and how your experience can help Fastned overcome challenges like grid capacity and planning permissions.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Fastned’s annual reports and investor presentations to understand their growth strategy, financial targets, and UK-specific plans.
  • Study their existing UK locations (e.g., London, Oxford) to identify patterns in site selection and partnership models.
  • Familiarize yourself with the UK’s EV charging infrastructure policies, including the Rapid Charging Fund and local authority EV strategies.
  • Research key competitors in the UK (e.g., Ionity, BP Pulse, Gridserve) and understand how Fastned differentiates itself.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you negotiated a complex site acquisition deal. What were the key hurdles and how did you overcome them?
2 How would you prioritize potential sites for Fastned’s UK expansion given our focus on high-traffic corridors and urban areas?
3 Describe your experience working with local authorities on planning permissions. Can you give an example where you expedited the process?
4 How do you manage a pipeline of deals with varying timelines and stakeholders? What tools or processes do you use?
5 What is your understanding of the UK EV charging landscape, including key competitors, regulatory changes, and grid connection challenges?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate a deep understanding of the UK property market and EV charging sector; generic applications are easily spotted.
  • Overlooking the importance of cross-functional collaboration; ensure your examples show you can work with design, legal, and construction teams.
  • Not addressing the ‘MRICS or equivalent’ requirement directly; if you don’t have it, explain how your experience compensates.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Fastned!