Retail Real Estate Development Manager

Gaya Strategic Enterprise Singapore; Singapore; On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Retail Development Manager focused on Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the creation and execution of innovative retail strategies, ensuring the successful development of retail destinations. You will engage with international retailers, oversee leasing negotiations, and build a strong local team to drive operations. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of retail in a dynamic market, making a significant impact on consumer experiences and business outcomes. If you are passionate about retail and ready to take on a leadership role, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in retail asset management and leasing.
• Strong network of international retail tenants.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of retail strategy for Southeast Asia.
• Establish relationships with global and local retailers.
• Conduct market research to stay ahead of retail trends.

Skills

Retail Asset Management

Leasing Negotiations

Market Research

Team Leadership

Retail Development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Job description

Position: Retail Development Manager – Southeast Asia (Vietnam Focus)

Location: Singapore

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Retail Planning & Development

• Lead the formulation and execution of a comprehensive retail strategy for Southeast Asia, with primary focus on Vietnam and particularly Ho Chi Minh City.

• Drive retail placemaking, merchandising and tenant mix planning to create differentiated, experiential retail destinations for the retail component within mixed-use developments (e.g. retail podium within commercial developments and small-format retail for residential mixed-use developments).

• Drive strategy on retail master-planning, zoning, wayfinding, and customer journey design for new and existing assets.

2. Leasing & Tenant Partnerships

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with global, regional, and local retailers to introduce new-to-market retail concepts into Ho Chi Minh City.

• Identify and pursue opportunities to attract international anchor tenants and innovative retail formats aligned with market trends and consumer demand.

• Oversee and support lease negotiations, tenant curation, and leasing strategies to optimize asset value and footfall.
  
  

3. Retail Operations & Team Building

• Set up and lead a Vietnam-based retail team to implement on-ground leasing, marketing, and mall operations.

• Provide operational oversight of retail assets, ensuring effective execution of leasing plans, mall events, promotions, and tenant engagement activities.

• Ensure alignment of local operations with regional asset and portfolio objectives.
  
  

4. Market Intelligence & Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct ongoing market research and analysis to stay ahead of consumer behaviour, retail trends, and competitive landscape in Southeast Asia, with a deep dive into Vietnam.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to align retail strategies with broader business goals.

• Represent the company in external stakeholder engagements, including government authorities, retail forums, and industry partners.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in retail asset management, leasing, or retail development, preferably with exposure to Southeast Asian markets.

• Proven experience managing or developing retail malls or mixed-use assets, including leasing, retail planning, and operations.

• Strong network of international and regional retail tenants, with a track record of introducing innovative concepts to new markets.

• Hands-on experience in Vietnam retail property market preferred.

• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration.

• Willingness to travel as needed to Vietnam and the region.