Leasing Specialist

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organisation in South Africa is looking for a Leasing Specialist to manage leased properties and enhance strategic partnerships. Responsibilities include formulating leasing plans, managing tenant relationships, and conducting financial analyses for the property portfolio. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in real estate and possess strong negotiation and relationship-building skills. This role offers a chance to contribute to the organisation's goal of fostering socio-economic prosperity.

Qualifications

• At least eight years of experience in leasing, real estate and/or property management.
• SAPOA certificate in Property Management will be an advantage.
• Advanced knowledge of real estate/property management.

Responsibilities

• Manage CSIR property leased to third parties.
• Formulate and manage the CSIR's leasing plan.
• Conduct property inspections and manage tenant relationships.

Skills

Tenant strategy design

Relationship building

Financial acumen

Negotiation skills

Conflict management

Education

National Diploma in Real Estate or BSc in Property Studies

Tools

Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM)

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio‑economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Leasing Specialist in the Facilities Management and Security Services portfolio. The incumbent will manage CSIR property leased to third parties to enhance strategic partnerships and generate revenue from surplus property assets. The incumbent will also manage activities necessary to plan and control the effective and efficient use of the CSIR properties including tenant relationship management. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Management

• Formulate, implement and manage the CSIR’s leasing plan and standards.
• Formulate the tenant mix for CSIR’s property portfolio.
• Provide input into the CSIR’s Property Portfolio and Infrastructure Management.
• Develop operational plan to ensure that all CSIR facilities and buildings support organisational strategies and provide a safe environment to its inhabitants.
• Manage key strategic relationships between The CSIR and various tenants.

Financial Management

• Perform strategic financial analysis to understand capital and operating expenses for the property portfolio.
• Draft annual rental budgets and forecasting.
• Plan, manage and control operating expenditures for the tenant portfolio.
• Ensure correct and efficient preparation of information for the billing of internal and external tenants.
• Collect rent and deposits and manage rental arrears.
• Manage all property and lease related payments.
• Create and maintain recurring rent schedules and security deposit information.
• Prepare variance reports and reconciliations as needed.

Leasing Administration and Management

• Oversee the leasing of CSIR properties to maximise cash flow on the rental properties and minimise vacancy loss.
• Advertise and market rental property and pre‑qualify prospective tenants.
• Provide tenant screening and lease document resources.
• Negotiate and prepare lease agreements and ensure timely lease renewals.
• Support Facilities Management by recommending and implementing capital improvement projects.
• Conduct property and building inspections; schedule repairs and maintenance.
• Establish compliance with quality standards and specifications.
• Provide input to the Maintenance Plan for the CSIR properties.
• Liaise with all appropriate departments such as Projects, Maintenance and ICT to ensure that they provide adequate services required to maintain world‑class CSIR properties.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking exercises, analyse market information, market trends and operational costs and recommend annual rent increases to management.
• Manage comprehensive lease database including all historic transactions and agreements.
• Accountable for the integrity of the Real Estate Portfolio Management Module on the Computer Aided Facilities Management system.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports.
• Plan and allocate work for space planners.

Tenant Relationship Management

• Manage tenant relationships once the lease is signed to retain tenants.
• Serve as primary point of contact for operational issues with landlords, tenants and others.
• Serve as liaising officer between tenants and CSIR on all issues relating to lease agreements.
• Resolve user lease and occupancy issues, investigate and reconcile complaints, and assure compliance with all lease terms.
• Build and maintain an excellent relationship with external tenants.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A National Diploma in Real Estate, or BSc in Property Studies or Property Management with at least eight years of experience in leasing, real estate and/or property management.
• SAPOA certificate in Property Management will be an advantage.
• Experience in Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system.
• Working knowledge of CAFM systems particularly Real Estate/Property Management application will be an advantage.
• Advanced knowledge of real estate/property management, commercial leasing and applicable compliance regulations.
• Understand Corporate Real Estate and Facilities Management.
• Ability to design tenant strategies and tenant mix.
• The capacity to build relationships and to attract key strategic partners to lease space in the CSIR campus to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ability to negotiate lease agreements and ensure there is no risk of exposure to the business.
• Practical and resource management, management of property and tenants.
• Strategic and thought leadership and ability to build strategic partnerships.
• Financial acumen and attention to detail.
• Influencing and negotiation skills.
• Conflict management and presentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service and quality orientation.

Closing date: 12 December 2025

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, please email us at [e-mail]. Please do‑not send applications to this mailbox, it is only for inquiries.

The CSIR is an equal‑opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will, through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.