Job Overview
The Commercial Leasing Manager secures and manages retail tenants across the UAE portfolio. This role involves analyzing market and property data to identify leasing opportunities, negotiating and finalizing lease agreements, and working with Operations, Facilities, Marketing and Finance to prepare and hand over units. He/She also tracks vacancies and retailer trends to support strategic decision-making and maintains strong tenant relationships to drive occupancy and revenue goals.
Key Accountabilities
- Responsible for all aspects of leasing management, develop a leasing plan to identify new clients and negotiate with prospective tenants to maximize income in line with the business plan.
- Ensure selected retailers fall into an approved tenant mix in line with business strategy and market demand and to achieve desired company business objectives.
- Keep apprised of all leasing opportunities (vacancies and upcoming vacancies, their respective locations, sizes, provision, adjacencies and all advantages and disadvantages.
- Analyze and optimize tenant-mix composition to ensure alignment with company strategy and evolving market demand, supporting overall business objectives.
- Walk through the lease process to the highest and best retailers. (i.e. Prospecting, Initial Contact, Property Presentation, Overcoming Objections, Closing) and obtaining necessary approvals as per approved SOPs.
- Initiating cold and warm call contact with potential customers through the lease process.
- Stay appraised of all retailers operating in the UAE; initiate and maintain relationships with appropriate level contacts in each assigned retail group.
- Notify, coordinate and follow up with the Tenant to ensure the timely opening of the units.
- Ensure retailers requirements are met and complaints are handled effectively either independently or whenever required in coordination with other departments.
- Guide tenants through leasing procedures, documentation requirements, and SOP compliance to ensure a seamless onboarding experience.
- Coordinate with Operations, FM and Marketing teams to prepare and hand over units as per tenant specifications.
- Conduct periodic site walkthroughs and review meetings to gather tenant feedback, anticipate needs, and strengthen long-term partnerships.
- Guide tenants through leasing procedures, documentation requirements, and SOP compliance to ensure a seamless onboarding experience.
- Coordinate with Operations, FM and Marketing teams to prepare and hand over units as per tenant specifications.
- Conduct periodic site walkthroughs and review meetings to gather tenant feedback, anticipate needs, and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Real Estate, Retail Management, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in leasing, retail strategy, or commercial roles, ideally within property development or shopping mall environments.
- A master’s degree (MBA) or PG qualification in Real Estate, Retail Strategy, or Marketing is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of market research techniques, financial analysis, and commercial strategy development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with tenants, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail, with the capacity to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
- Proficiency in basic administrative tasks and familiarity with relevant software applications.
- Knowledge of property management principles and procedures, including leasing and maintenance processes.
- Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, demonstrating problem-solving skills and resourcefulness in resolving tenant issues.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed to accommodate tenant schedules and property requirements.