Associate Director - Residential & Commercial Leasing | Real Estate

Al Futtaim Private Company (LLC); Dubai; On-site; AED 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Al Futtaim Private Company (LLC) seeks a senior Leasing Director to lead the strategy for residential and commercial portfolios in the UAE. You will translate business goals into asset-level plans, drive occupancy, and oversee end-to-end leasing transactions with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes market-driven pricing, tenant retention, and revenue growth, leveraging a broad UAE broker network and strong negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Translate portfolio objectives into leasing strategies and measurable results.
• Strong understanding of UAE market dynamics, regulatory requirements (DLD/RERA).
• Proven ability to negotiate complex leasing transactions and drive revenue.

Responsibilities

• Lead leasing strategy to maintain high occupancy across residential and commercial assets.
• Develop plans for new leasing, renewals, expansions and tenant retention.
• Collaborate with Asset Management, Development, Property Management, Finance, Marketing and Legal to align leasing priorities.

Skills

Strategic Leasing Leadership

UAE Market Expertise

Negotiation & Influencing

Leadership & People Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or related

Tools

CRM systems

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Leasing Strategy

• Develop and implement the overallleasing strategy for the residential and commercial portfolio, translating business objectives into clear asset-level plans and targets.
• Review market conditions, pricing, demand, vacancy, lease expiries, customer segments, and competitor activity to determine the appropriate approach for each asset.
• Continuously adapt strategies to respond to market changes and portfolio performance.
• Achievement of annual leasing revenue targets, portfolio occupancy, and year-on-year revenue growth.

Revenue Growth & Portfolio Optimisation

• Drive opportunities to increase revenue and improve the financial performance of the portfolio through effective pricing, rental optimisation, lease structures, inventory management, and customer segmentation.
• Assess the financial impact of key decisions with Asset Management and Finance and ensure leasing activities support long-term asset objectives.
• Achieve sales and leasing revenue versus budget, rental income growth, and portfolio yield improvement.

Leasing & Occupancy

• Lead the leasing strategy to ensure strong occupancy levels and proactive management of vacant units.
• Develop plans for new leasing, renewals, expansions, and tenant retention while ensuring lease terms support property objectives.
• Achieve portfolio occupancy percentage, vacancy reduction, and rental uplift on renewals.

Business Development & Market Reach

• Develop a pipeline of prospective customers, tenants, and brokers.
• Use existing UAE network and market relationships to identify new opportunities and increase market reach.
• Generate new business revenue and incremental leasing revenue from new channels.

Broker & Channel Partner Management

• Build and manage strong relationships with UAE brokers and channel partners to maximize market coverage.
• Establish clear performance expectations and focus on high-performing partners.
• Generate broker-contributed revenue and new strategic broker relationships.

Pricing & Negotiations

• Lead negotiations for high-value and complex sales and leasing transactions.
• Ensure pricing, incentives, and lease structures align with approved objectives.
• Achieve achieved pricing versus approved benchmarks and value protection through negotiations.

Market Intelligence & Positioning

• Maintain an understanding of the DFC property market, including rental and customer behavior.
• Translate market intelligence into recommendations for sales strategy and product positioning.
• Regularly conduct market reviews and identify new opportunities.

End-to-End Transaction Management

• Manage the full leasing transaction lifecycle, from lead generation and negotiation to contract execution.
• Work with Leasing Administration, Legal, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure transaction accuracy and compliance with UAE regulations.
• Complete transactions within agreed timelines and ensure documentation accuracy.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead and develop Leasingand Leasing Administration teams to meet portfolio targets.
• Monitor performance, create accountability, and build team capability.
• Achieve team targets, improve productivity, and enhance employee engagement.

Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Asset Management, Development, Property Management, Finance, Marketing, Legal, and others to align leasing priorities.
• Provide leasing input into asset plans and make strategic pricing decisions.
• Ensure timely delivery of cross-functional initiatives and resolve issues promptly.

Desired Candidate Profile

• StrategicLeasing Leadership: Ability to translate portfolio objectives into clearleasing strategies and measurable results.
• UAE Market Expertise: Strong understanding of property values, demand, competition, customer behavior, and regulatory requirements.
• Negotiation & Influencing: Strong ability to lead complex negotiations and achieve appropriate outcomes.
• Leadership & People Development: Ability to build high-performing teams and create clear accountability for results.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• 15+ years of UAE real estate experience with exposure to residential and commercialleasing.
• Proven track record in delivering significantleasing revenue targets.
• Experience in developing and implementing portfolio-level leasing strategies.
• Strong understanding of UAE property market dynamics and DLD/RERA regulations.
• Established network across UAE brokers.
• Ability to generate new business opportunities through market relationships.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including pricing, forecasting, and revenue optimization.
• Experience leading Sales, Leasing, and Leasing Administration teams and managing the complete transaction lifecycle.
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related discipline. An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is advantageous.
• RICS, CCIM, or equivalent professional real estate qualification would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant CRM systems.