LEASING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Job Title: Leasing & Business Development Manager

We are looking for an experienced Leasing & Business Development Manager to join our team with Mercato & Town Centre Shopping Mall. The ideal candidate must have the ability to manage and lead all commercial leasing activities, including planning and development, day to day leasing related management, budget forecasting in order to maximize rentals, and to increase the Mall's profitability with the most desirable and productive retail mix: long-term leasing of shops, restaurants, and food courts, and short-term leasing of kiosks.

Responsibilities

1. Set annual budgets.
2. Oversee the marketing and advertising of vacancies on media/advert channels to attract potential tenants.
3. Supervise campaign activities for the publicity of properties available for lease.
4. Create a leasing strategy which includes the leasing matrix and tenancy segmentation plans.
5. Scout and identify prospective tenants looking to lease a property.
6. Develop and implement policies necessary for improving the profitability and efficiency of a leasing department.
7. Provide potential tenants with a tour of property highlighting the valuable features of the building in order to convince customers and influence lease.
8. Run background checks on potential tenants to evaluate their credit status and brand credibility.
9. Visit existing shops where necessary before making a commitment to the brand.
10. Prequalify brands and obtain the correct documentation to support the creation of the tenants file and lease preparation.
11. Elaborate the terms of lease, rental rate and period of payment to tenants.
12. Oversee the processing and approval of new client applications and lease documents.
13. Draft and sign legally sound and detailed lease agreements, memos, deed of surrenders and lease extension documents.
14. Decipher the renewing parties and process the renewal lease documents with ample lead time prior to lease expiry.
15. Maintain contact with lessees during their tenancy period to oversee their welfare and help resolve property issues.
16. Collaborate with other Departments for the improvement of tenant's performance as well as tenancy, leasing operations and marketing for the purpose of actualizing target rental income budget and planned occupancy levels.
17. Collaborate with the technical department for best store design, SKU placement vis a vis visibility and proper merchandise of shop before opening.
18. Monitor throughout the period of tenancy that the brand offer is reflective of what has been pre-agreed and is as stipulated in the lease document.
19. Guide the activities and operations of a leasing administrative team to ensure revenue goals are achieved.
20. Organize meetings during which leasing operations are discussed to identify solutions necessary for achieving occupancy targets.
21. Conduct surveys of the property market to obtain information on competing lease rates and other trends that affect occupancy/rent.
22. Oversee the hiring and on-the-job training of leasing recruits to bring them up-to-speed on work activities.
23. Set Goals for and oversee the designation of leasing staff.
24. Ensure the proper documentation and storage of leasing files (including retailer's business plans and inquiries).
25. Perform relevant inspections prior to returning lessees' deposits.
26. Address and record all rule violations.

Competencies Required

1. Ability to set budgets.
2. Strong communication skills.
3. Organization & administrative skills.
4. Knowledge of relevant Landlord-Tenant Laws.
5. Customer service orientation.
6. Good negotiation skills.
7. Research skills (as well as brand knowledge).
8. Proficient with PowerPoint and Word.
9. Good writing abilities.
10. Interested in professional development.

Qualifications

1. Leasing Manager with at least 5 years of Shopping Mall experience in UAE or the Middle East.
2. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
3. Western or Arab candidates will be considered with preference.
4. Fluency in English.
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Proven knowledge and execution of successful development strategies.
7. Focused and goal-oriented.
8. Can join immediately preferably by July 2024.
9. Candidate to define expected salary.