Retail Leasing Director

About Our Client

Our client is a major property group that develops and operates a multi-asset class portfolio including, residential, retail and commercial projects.

Job Description

Manage the Retail Leasing process for own retail assetsInputting to the Master Planning of the development in terms of the size, configuration of the shop units, placement of anchors, hypermarket, LSU's, food-court, casual dining and coffee shops, cinema, FEC and other entertainment centers whenever applicableDevelop the tenant mix strategy and prepare for approvalInitiate and facilitate direct negotiations to lease-assigned Retail Assets in accordance with the pre-approved strategy/mix and financial parametersSource and secure anchor and ancillary tenantsValidate and approve retail conceptsConclude deals with the anchor retailers and major retail groupsOversee the Lease Administrators to finalize the Leases and issue NTC's to the Retail Delivery TeamCoordinate with the Retail Delivery Team to ensure that the shops open on timeNegotiate prices within/above range agreed with the Executive managementIssue lease proposals to potential tenantsNegotiate with current tenants and new prospect brands the terms from lease negotiations with tenants/prospects and ensure maximum rental incomeOversee the entire lease process through from obtaining supporting documents (Trade License, passport copy, Power of Attorney, Article of Association etc.) required to draft Leases/Licenses until the signing of the lease documents and paying of all monies due (rent, service charges, marketing fees, deposits, fit out deposit etc.)Track lease expires and negotiate renewals; initiate lease renewals six months in advanceTake leadership and ownership of the leasing plan, with the goal of maximising value creation and improving the tenant mixPrepare annual budgetary review of the asset and recommend adjustment to market conditions if requiredAssess leasing issues on an on-going basis and recommend strategies to mitigate riskIdentify issues that may have meaningful economic consequences and work on finding solutionsMaintain a comprehensive understanding of regional retailers and their portfoliosOriginate and expand relationships with Middle East regional retailersWork collaboratively with the various stakeholder teams and executive management, as appropriateInitiate and oversee legal proceedings where legal action is required relating to tenanciesCoordinate with Retail Delivery Team the design, graphics and fit out of retail unitsEnsure CRM system meets Retail Leasing needs and liaise with IT/ERP on platform maintenance and update The Successful Applicant

Key requirements:

Previous experience working with large retail group, developers or property management providerExtensive retail leasing experience in a senior leadership roleExtensive network in the UAE retail sector along with an international network of high end retailersExperience leasing in large shopping malls, retail districts or community retail assetsCapable of leading the development and implementation of the retail leasing business strategy in order to ensure achievement of organisational vision and missionCompetent to oversee the Retail setup of a retail establishment structuring individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staffSkilled in leading a team in identifying new value-added business opportunities using innovative concepts which can be converted into revenue generating opportunities aligned to the business objectivesProficient in setting-up leasing targets with the help of historic figures, economic patterns and demographic dictates in concurrence with finance and retail objectivesExcellent knowledge of the total gamut of the international retail brands and exceptional relationship with the decision makers of the major retail groups / brand holders / Executives in the Middle EastWell-acquainted through international travel to keep abreast of retail initiatives and brand positioning strategiesCapable of preparing the layout and outline of the retail facility, with the purpose of maximising the rental and asset value of the projectUsing experience to formulate the tenancy mix strategy for the project whilst being cognisant of the indigenous demographics and socio-economic retail spend of the catchmentExcellent business relationship with the retailers in order to gain periodic market intelligenceAn inherent team player with remarkable skills for interacting successfully at every level of hierarchyDemonstrated skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholdersExcellent negotiation and persuasion skillsExcellent conflict resolution/management skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills What's on Offer Opportunity to work with a leading property group in the UAELeadership role responsible for full portfolio strategy, operations and P&LThis role will give access to senior leadership in the company with extensive knowledge an experience in the real estate sectorExcellent work environment with multicultural workforceCompetitive package and benefits

---