Leasing Manager - CRE

Job Purpose

To identify, secure, and manage strategic commercial property leases that support the business growth and operational needs of the Group companies. This role is responsible for scouting new locations, negotiating lease agreements, overseeing lease renewals, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Through effective market research, financial oversight, and strong landlord relationships, the role ensures optimal space utilization, cost-efficiency, and alignment with the company’s real estate strategy.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify and research potential areas for new locations based on defined business needs for the respective Group companies and check expansion strategies.
• Conduct market research to identify emerging communities, growth corridors, and high-potential commercial zones.
• Evaluate the suitability of various properties by considering factors like size, layout, accessibility, zoning, and potential for foot traffic or customer access.
• Engage with landlords or property owners to negotiate favorable lease terms (rent, lease duration, renewal options, payments etc. based on the market rates and trends.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure that lease agreements align with company goals and legal requirements.
• Secure tenant incentives, such as rent-free periods, build-out allowances, flexibility in payment terms or other advantageous terms.
• Finalize agreements and secure new locations that align with the company’s strategic growth plan.
• Maintain a database of potential future locations for future growth opportunities.
• Manage lease negotiations for new and renewal leases across the corporate real estate portfolio.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including legal, finance, and facilities, to ensure that lease terms meet the company's objectives.
• Review and analyze lease documents to ensure compliance with corporate policies and local regulations.
• Lead the preparation and execution of lease agreements, including terms, rent schedules, and escalation clauses.
• Liaise with respective company PROs to get the clearance from the required local authorities.
• Ensure all leasing activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Work with legal teams to mitigate risks associated with lease agreements.
• Maintain accurate records of lease terms, amendments, and other contractual documents.
• Ensure to conduct a thorough analysis of all existing location leases, including lease terms, rent escalation clauses, renewal options, and overall location performance.
• Ensure to provide recommendations on lease renewals, relocations, or terminations based on business needs, validation with RERA or local market trends of the Emirate.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on the performance of existing locations and renewal recommendations.
• Liaise with respective group occupants and initiate renewal process 120 days before the lease expiry date.
• Conduct market research to assess leasing opportunities and pricing for commercial spaces and validate lease renewals.
• Provide regular reports on market conditions, competitive analysis, and lease performance.
• Recommend leasing strategies based on market trends, vacancy rates, and other relevant factors.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with landlords/ property owners to ensure high customer service levels to the Group companies.
• Act as the primary point of contact with landlords/ property owners, addressing any leasing or space-related concerns.
• Collaborate with facilities management to ensure internal companies requirements are met, including requests for space modifications or improvements and fit- outs.
• Coordinate with the respective company’s finance team to ensure the accuracy of lease payment schedules, rent rolls, and CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges paid.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor or equivalent in Real Estate or associated field

Experience

• 10+ years in Property Management and Leasing managing similar portfolio

Knowledge & Skills

• Competent in Microsoft Office Software
• Competent in Property Management technology systems and software
• High level of proficiency in English (spoken and written) / Arabic is an advantage
• Problem Solving, Judgment, Planning and Organization, Coordinating, Leadership, Initiative, Management Expertise, Persuasiveness, Integrity