Real Estate Director

Overview

Job Purpose

Strategic Planning And Market Analysis

• Conduct in-depth market and competitive analysis to develop independent expansion plans, either in house or outsourced.
• Prepare and submit annual business plans to the board, ensuring equal growth opportunities for all brands.
• Create and implement real estate strategies tailored to each brand’s demographics, pricing, and product range.
• Present brand market potential and expansion capacity for the next 3 years.
• Conduct Real Estate Market Mapping and Sales Forecasting.
• Develop and present detailed feasibility studies, including financial projections and market analysis, prior to obtaining site approvals

Existing Portfolio Management, Renewals, and Crisis Resolution

• Portfolio Oversight & Performance Tracking: Proactively manage and monitor the performance of the existing real estate portfolio, conducting monthly reviews of asset performance, rent-to-sales ratios, and location viability.
• Lease Renewals & Restructuring: Oversee the end-to-end lease renewal pipeline, evaluating historical store performance to determine whether to renew, renegotiate terms, relocate, or exit properties.
• Crisis Management & Landlord Relations: Act as the primary point of escalation and resolution for property crises (e.g., operational disruptions, landlord-tenant disputes, mall maintenance issues affecting sales, or unexpected economic downturns). Lead rent-reduction or lease-restructuring negotiations during operational crises to safeguard company margins.

Site Selection And Management

• Aggressive Location Scouting: Lead hands-on, ground-level field scouting and site mapping to uncover premium, off-market, or high-potential spaces (malls, high-streets, cloud kitchens, and standalone spots) tailored to specific brand concepts.
• Conduct comprehensive site assessments, traffic counts, visibility analyses, and accessibility mapping to guarantee optimum footfall and brand exposure.
• Investigate, evaluate, and identify potential sites, markets, towns, and competition for new store locations.
• Manage schedules for projects and oversee processes to obtain permits and approvals.
• Prepare detailed project estimates and reports for management review.

F&B Project Development

• Oversee the development of F&B projects, including feasibility studies, design monitoring, and financial analyses.
• Develop and implement strategies to expand and improve F&B offerings in retail locations, aligning with company goals and market trends.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align F&B goals with overall business objectives.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Provide insights and guidance on food and beverage (F&B) operations, including labor optimization, supply chain logistics, and customer service standards, to ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure properties and real estate strategies aligned with delivering exceptional guest experiences, prioritizing innovation, quality, and service excellence

Team Development And Risk Management

• Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing team, including managers and supervisors, to build a reliable and effective department for market mapping and research.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards in all property dealings.
• Identify and mitigate risks, including regulatory and financial risks, through effective risk management strategies.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team culture, aligned with the company’s core value

Contractual & Commercial Lease Terms Governance

• Legal & Commercial De-risking: Direct the drafting, review, and structuring of all legal lease agreements, ensuring all commercial and operational terms protect the company's long-term interests.
• Clause Enforcement: Secure favorable legal clauses, including but not limited to: Exclusivity/Non compete protections within specific developments, clear termination and break-clauses, realistic force majeure terms, and capped annual rent escalations.

Landlord Negotiations & Deal Structuring

• Deal Sourcing & Commercial Pitches: Lead high-stakes commercial negotiations with major developers (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel, Majid Al Futtaim, Merex) and private landlords to secure highly competitive rates and preferential positioning.
• Financial Terms Optimization: Strategically negotiate base rents, turnover rent percentages, rent-free periods (fit-out periods), key money, and landlord fit-out contributions to maximize early-stage ROI and reduce capital expenditure.

Business Development And Relationship Management

• Create, pitch, and build new leads with developers, investors, and local authorities.
• Develop business and market plans for all brands acquired or franchised by the company.
• Address stakeholder concerns and collaborate on approvals and permits.
• Stay updated on industry trends, demographic shifts, and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and recommend strategies for sustainable growth.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity by understanding local customs, preferences, and business practices in the Middle East, ensuring alignment with regional expectations

Other Duties