Leasing Manager

Makani Science; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Makani Science in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Leasing Manager to lead leasing strategies across the retail portfolio, attract suitable brands, and optimize occupancy and rent outcomes.

You will negotiate terms, manage the tenant mix, and collaborate with Marketing and Operations to drive mall performance and asset value.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant leasing experience in UAE shopping malls or retail real estate.
• Strong understanding of UAE market dynamics and lease structures.
• Proven experience in lease negotiations and closing deals.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement leasing strategies aligned with occupancy, revenue and commercial targets.
• Identify, approach and secure suitable local and international retail brands.
• Conduct market research to track retail trends, competitor activity and rental benchmarks.
• Prepare and present leasing proposals, layouts and commercial terms to prospective tenants.
• Lead lease negotiations covering rent, lease tenure, fit-out periods and other commercial conditions.
• Proactively manage lease expiry schedules and ensure renewals are negotiated and finalized in advance.
• Coordinate with Legal and relevant internal teams on lease agreements, renewals, amendments and supporting documentation.
• Maintain an effective tenant mix that supports footfall and overall mall performance.
• Review tenant performance and recommend renewals, relocations or replacements where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing tenants, brokers and retail brands.
• Act as a key point of contact for leasing-related tenant matters.
• Work closely with Marketing and Operations teams to support tenant performance and mall initiatives.
• Prepare leasing reports, forecasts, budgets and occupancy updates for management review.
• Maintain accurate leasing records, tenant databases and related documentation.
• Support asset management initiatives aimed at improving rental yield and asset value.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Yardi (preferred)

Leasing systems

Job description

Role Purpose

The Leasing Manager will be responsible for developing and executing leasing strategies across the assigned retail portfolio to maximize occupancy, rental income and overall asset performance. The role will focus on attracting suitable retail brands, negotiating lease agreements, maintaining strong tenant relationships and ensuring the right tenant mix in line with market conditions and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement leasing strategies aligned with occupancy, revenue and commercial targets.
• Identify, approach and secure suitable local and international retail brands.
• Conduct market research to track retail trends, competitor activity and rental benchmarks.
• Prepare and present leasing proposals, layouts and commercial terms to prospective tenants.
• Lead lease negotiations covering rent, lease tenure, fit-out periods and other commercial conditions.
• Proactively manage lease expiry schedules and ensure renewals are negotiated and finalized in advance.
• Coordinate with Legal and relevant internal teams on lease agreements, renewals, amendments and supporting documentation.
• Maintain an effective tenant mix that supports footfall and overall mall performance.
• Review tenant performance and recommend renewals, relocations or replacements where required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing tenants, brokers and retail brands.
• Act as a key point of contact for leasing-related tenant matters.
• Work closely with Marketing and Operations teams to support tenant performance and mall initiatives.
• Prepare leasing reports, forecasts, budgets and occupancy updates for management review.
• Maintain accurate leasing records, tenant databases and related documentation.
• Support asset management initiatives aimed at improving rental yield and asset value.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Marketing or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant leasing experience within shopping malls or retail real estate in the UAE.
• Strong understanding of retail leasing practices, lease structures and UAE market dynamics.
• Proven experience in lease negotiations and closing commercial deals.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Strong understanding of tenant mix and retail asset performance.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver against leasing targets.
• Strong follow-up, coordination and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and leasing/property management systems.
• Experience using Yardi is preferred.