Leasing Manager

Talent Candey; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Candey, on behalf of a reputable Retail / QSR client, seeks a Leasing Manager in Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal to lead the negotiation and management of the commercial lease portfolio across multiple sites.

The role focuses on securing favorable terms, renewals, landlord relationships, occupancy cost optimization, and ensuring governance and compliance, with strong stakeholder engagement across real estate, development, finance, and operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years in Commercial Property Leasing.
• Experience in Retail/QSR/Hospitality/Franchise or multi-site businesses is essential.
• Proven experience negotiating leases with landlords, developers and funds.
• Experience managing renewals, extensions, relocations and portfolio optimisation.
• Maintaining lease registers and ensuring compliance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for new commercial lease agreements.
• Negotiate favourable terms aligning with business objectives.
• Review lease agreements and identify commercial risks.
• Secure advantageous rental structures and incentives.
• Negotiate renewals, extensions and relocations.
• Manage the commercial lease portfolio and optimise occupancy costs.
• Maintain lease documentation and monitor critical milestones.
• Build relationships with landlords, developers, brokers and property managers.
• Collaborate with Legal and Finance to mitigate risk.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical

Financial acumen

Communication

Portfolio management

Education

Degree/Diploma in Property Studies or related field

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job description

Leasing Manager - QSR - Newlands East, Dbn.

Purpose of the Role

Our reputable Retail / QSR client is seeking an experienced Leasing Manager to join their property team based in Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the negotiation and management of the company's commercial lease portfolio, ensuring favorable lease terms are secured for new sites while protecting the organization’s commercial interests across existing locations. This role plays a critical part in supporting the company's expansion strategy by negotiating high-value commercial leases, managing lease renewals, maintaining strong landlord relationships, optimizing occupancy costs, and ensuring compliance with all lease obligations and governance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• - Degree or Diploma in Property Studies, Real Estate, Law, Commerce, Finance, or a related field.
• - Professional property or real estate qualifications will be advantageous.

Experience

• - Minimum 5–8 years' experience in Commercial Property Leasing.
• - Previous experience within a Retail, QSR, Hospitality, Franchise or Multi-site business is essential.
• - Proven experience negotiating commercial leases with shopping centres, landlords, developers, and property funds.
• - Experience managing lease renewals, extensions, relocations, and portfolio optimisation.
• - Experience maintaining lease registers and ensuring lease compliance.
• - Strong stakeholder management experience across internal and external business partners.

Knowledge

• - Commercial property leasing.
• - Retail lease structures.
• - Rental models and escalation clauses.
• - Beneficial occupation.
• - Tenant installation (TI) allowances.
• - Commercial contract negotiation.
• - Property governance and lease compliance.
• - Property portfolio management.
• - Microsoft Office (Excel, Word & Outlook).

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Lease Negotiation

• - Lead negotiations for new commercial lease agreements.
• - Negotiate favourable commercial terms that align with business objectives.
• - Review lease agreements and identify commercial risks.
• - Secure commercially advantageous rental structures and incentives.
• - Negotiate lease renewals, extensions, and relocations.

Property Portfolio Management

• - Manage the company's commercial lease portfolio.
• - Optimise occupancy costs across the portfolio.
• - Maintain accurate lease documentation and records.
• - Ensure all lease obligations are met.
• - Monitor lease expiry dates and critical milestones.

Landlord & Stakeholder Management

• - Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, brokers and property management companies.
• - Act as the primary contact for lease-related matters.
• - Resolve lease and landlord-related issues efficiently.
• - Collaborate with internal departments to support new store development and expansion.

Governance & Compliance

• - Maintain an accurate lease register.
• - Ensure compliance with lease agreements and governance standards.
• - Monitor critical lease dates and renewal schedules.
• - Work closely with Legal and Finance to mitigate commercial risk.
• - Ensure all lease documentation is complete and up to date.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• - Partner with:
• o Real Estate
• o Development
• o Finance
• o Legal
• o Operations
• o Franchise Teams
• - Support strategic property acquisition and expansion initiatives.
• - Provide commercial property advice to business stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• - Excellent commercial negotiation skills.
• - Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• - Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• - Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• - High attention to detail.
• - Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• - Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• - Ability to work independently and make sound commercial decisions.
• - Results‑driven with strong business acumen.
• - Professional, ethical and highly organised.