Senior Manager - Retail Leasing and Property Portfolio Job Snapshot - Role: Senior Manager - Leasing - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Real Estate - Function: Real Estate Leasing-Acquisition - Experience: 10 years in leasing, including 5 years in a senior role - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site
GMG is seeking an experienced Senior Manager - Leasing to oversee leasing operations and strategy across its corporate retail property portfolio in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Reporting through the Vice President - Properties, the role is responsible for managing lease negotiations, renewals, terminations, contract administration and regulatory compliance while supporting GMG 's business expansion and financial objectives. The Senior Manager will develop leasing strategies that improve occupancy, optimize rental yields and strengthen the financial performance of the property portfolio. The position also involves identifying new retail locations, managing landlord relationships, evaluating market opportunities and coordinating with internal finance, legal and operations teams. The successful candidate will bring extensive corporate leasing experience, strong commercial negotiation capabilities and a proven record of managing large-scale lease agreements.
Job Details
- Country: United Arab Emirates
- City: Dubai
- Industry: Real Estate
- Function: Real Estate Leasing-Acquisition
- Salary: Not disclosed
- Gender: No Preference
- Candidate Nationality: Not specified
- Job Type: Full Time
- Work Arrangement: On-site
Key Responsibilities
Retail Leasing Strategy and Portfolio Management
- Oversee end-to-end leasing activities across GMG 's corporate retail portfolio.
- Develop and implement leasing strategies aligned with business expansion and financial objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve occupancy rates and rental yields.
- Evaluate existing lease arrangements to support portfolio performance.
- Identify and secure suitable new retail locations in line with GMG 's expansion plans.
- Monitor real estate market trends, rental conditions and leasing opportunities.
- Recommend leasing strategies that enhance asset value and commercial performance.
- Work closely with the Vice President - Properties to execute agreed leasing priorities.
Lease Negotiations and Contract Management
- Lead negotiations for new lease agreements, renewals and terminations.
- Negotiate commercially favorable rental rates and contractual terms.
- Manage leasing discussions with landlords, developers and property representatives.
- Draft, review and oversee the execution of lease agreements.
- Ensure lease terms align with corporate policies and business requirements.
- Review contractual obligations, renewal conditions and termination provisions.
- Coordinate with legal and other relevant teams on contractual matters.
- Serve as the primary contact for leasing negotiations and related disputes.
Lease Administration and Documentation
- Oversee the administration of leasing contracts across the retail portfolio.
- Maintain accurate and complete lease documentation.
- Ensure lease records are organized and accessible for operational and financial review.
- Conduct lease audits to verify contractual compliance and financial accuracy.
- Monitor key contractual obligations and lease-related commitments.
- Oversee rent escalation provisions and service charge agreements.
- Maintain oversight of lease renewals, expirations and termination activities.
- Support consistent lease administration procedures across the business.
Financial Planning and Leasing Performance
- Collaborate with the finance team to align leasing activities with GMG 's financial objectives.
- Support leasing budget preparation and expense forecasting.
- Monitor rental expenses and lease-related financial commitments.
- Analyze leasing costs and revenue generation to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluate the financial implications of proposed lease agreements.
- Review rental yields and portfolio performance against business objectives.
- Ensure accurate financial tracking of lease obligations and related expenses.
- Recommend commercially effective leasing arrangements based on financial analysis.
Management Reporting and Market Analysis
- Prepare monthly and quarterly leasing performance reports.
- Provide executive leadership with insights into leasing costs, portfolio performance and market developments.
- Analyze real estate trends to identify favorable negotiation opportunities.
- Assess leasing performance and recommend operational or financial improvements.
- Communicate significant leasing developments and commercial risks.
- Present findings and recommendations to support strategic property decisions.
- Maintain clear reporting on leasing activities and financial commitments.
Landlord and Stakeholder Relationships
- Build and maintain productive relationships with landlords and property managers.
- Engage with developers, real estate consultants and other external stakeholders.
- Manage communications relating to lease negotiations and contractual matters.
- Resolve leasing disputes through professional negotiation and stakeholder coordination.
- Collaborate with finance, legal and operations teams to streamline leasing processes.
- Coordinate leasing requirements with relevant internal business functions.
- Promote consistent procedures and effective communication across leasing activities.
- Maintain strong commercial relationships that support GMG 's property objectives.
Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
- Identify and assess risks associated with leasing agreements and property commitments.
- Develop practical measures to mitigate leasing-related risks.
- Ensure lease agreements comply with applicable local laws and regulations.
- Maintain compliance with GMG 's corporate policies and contractual standards.
- Monitor adherence to lease terms and financial obligations.
- Address potential contractual or operational issues proactively.
- Review leasing practices and recommend improvements to reduce risk.
- Support efficient, compliant and commercially sound leasing operations.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor 's degree in Business.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience in leasing.
- At least 5 years of experience in a senior leasing role.
- Proven track record of negotiating and managing large-scale lease agreements.
- Experience working with landlords, property developers and real estate consultants.
- Corporate leasing experience involving commercial property arrangements.
- Practical experience managing lease negotiations, contract administration and financial commitments.
Technical and Commercial Expertise
- Strong knowledge of leasing agreements and contractual obligations.
- Understanding of real estate laws and leasing regulations.
- Expertise in commercial lease negotiations.
- Strong financial analysis and lease budgeting capabilities.
- Experience with expense forecasting and rental cost evaluation.
- Ability to analyze market trends and apply findings to leasing strategies.
- Knowledge of lease administration and compliance procedures.
- Proficiency in lease management software.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Leadership and Professional Competencies
- Strategic thinking and sound commercial judgment.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Ability to manage complex leasing discussions and resolve disputes.
- Results-driven approach to financial and portfolio objectives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent attention to contractual and financial details.
- Ability to manage multiple leasing priorities effectively.
- Confidence engaging with senior leadership and external commercial stakeholders.
- Ability to coordinate leasing activities across finance, legal and operations teams.
About the Opportunity
The Senior Manager - Leasing plays a key role in supporting GMG 's retail property strategy and business expansion. The position combines commercial negotiations, property portfolio management, lease administration and financial analysis to support favorable leasing arrangements and long-term asset performance. Working closely with the Vice President - Properties and internal business teams, the role contributes to effective property decisions, regulatory compliance and the continued development of GMG 's retail portfolio.
About GMG
GMG is a global well-being company with business activities spanning retail, distribution and manufacturing across sports, food, health and consumer goods. Under the ownership and management of the Baker family, GMG operates across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia and has introduced more than 120 brands into its markets. GMG 's vision is to inspire people to win in ways that make the world better.