Senior Retail Leasing Specialist

Savills Middle East; Manama; On-site; BHD 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Savills Middle East is seeking a Senior Retail Leasing Specialist to join our Agency team in Bahrain. The role focuses on originating and delivering leasing transactions, advising on retail leasing strategies, and growing our retail real estate business.

You will work with leading landlords, developers and brands, build long-term client relationships, negotiate terms, manage transactions end-to-end, and support market research and reporting to inform advisory services.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in retail leasing.
• Strong Bahrain retail market knowledge and regional trends.
• Proven track record securing leasing transactions and hitting targets.
• Experience advising landlords, retailers, developers and stakeholders.
• Understanding of commercial lease structures and Heads of Terms.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of the Bahrain retail real estate market.
• Identify and secure retail leasing instructions and opportunities.
• Advise landlords and occupiers on leasing opportunities, market conditions, and strategies.
• Manage leasing transactions from enquiry to completion.
• Negotiate terms and assist with lease documentation.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, retailers, developers, and stakeholders.
• Generate new business opportunities through networking and market intelligence.
• Meet fee and revenue targets and support team objectives.
• Monitor retailer requirements and trends to identify client opportunities.
• Prepare market research reports, presentations, and recommendations for clients.

Skills

Retail leasing

Negotiation

Client relationships

Market research

Business development

Networking

Team player

Education

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

Tools

CRM systems

Market research tools

Property databases

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Retail Leasing Specialist to join our Agency team in Bahrain. The successful candidate will be responsible for originating and delivering leasing transactions, advising clients on retail leasing strategies, and contributing to the continued growth and success of our retail real estate business.

This role offers the opportunity to work with leading landlords, developers, and retail brands while building long-term client relationships and driving commercial results.

Savills is a leading global real estate company with a strong presence across the Middle East. The business provides a wide range of services across property management, valuation, consultancy, facilities management and commercial and residential real estate. In the Middle East, the team works across key markets including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, supporting major clients and a variety of high-profile assets. It's a well-established business with a collaborative culture and good opportunities for career development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of the retail real estate market and wider business environment.
• Identify and secure retail leasing instructions and opportunities in line with agreed business targets.
• Advise landlords and occupiers on retail leasing opportunities, market conditions, and leasing strategies.
• Manage leasing transactions from initial enquiry through to completion.
• Negotiate commercial terms and assist with the preparation of Heads of Terms and lease documentation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, retailers, developers, and other key stakeholders.
• Proactively generate new business opportunities through networking, market intelligence, and business development activities.
• Achieve individual fee and revenue targets while contributing to wider team objectives.
• Monitor retailer requirements, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for clients.
• Conduct market research and prepare professional reports, presentations, and recommendations for clients and colleagues.
• Identify cross-selling opportunities and introduce clients to other service lines within the business.
• Create and share relevant market insights and industry updates across appropriate channels.
• Maintain accurate property, client, and transaction records and ensure timely administration of leasing instructions.
• Manage workload effectively and provide support to the Head of Transactional Services and wider team as required.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and client service.
• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders to ensure transactions are managed efficiently and professionally.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably required.

Skills, Knowledge And Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in retail leasing, ideally within shopping malls, retail destinations, or mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of the Bahrain retail real estate market, together with awareness of regional retail trends and occupier requirements.
• Proven track record of securing leasing transactions and achieving revenue and business development targets.
• Experience advising and negotiating with landlords, retailers, developers, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of commercial lease structures and lease terms.
• Experience preparing and negotiating Heads of Terms and supporting lease documentation.
• Proven success in new lettings, lease renewals, tenant retention, and leasing advisory.
• Strong business development, networking, and client relationship management skills.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for clients and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines.
• Commercially minded, driven, and results-oriented.
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• MRICS, AssocRICS, or working towards RICS accreditation.
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business, Finance, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Existing network of local, regional, and international retail brands, franchise operators, and F&B operators.
• Experience working across the GCC retail market.
• Knowledge of retail asset management, retail strategy, and development projects.
• Experience using property databases, CRM platforms, and market research tools.
• Previous real estate licensing or accreditation, such as RERA or equivalent GCC professional certification.

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