Senior Manager - Retail Leasing

About This Role

About:

Alef Group is a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, and is seeking a bilingual, highly skilled, and experienced Senior Manager - Retail Leasing to drive the retail leasing strategy and execution across Alef's shopping malls, community centers, and mixed-use developments, and join the team in Sharjah.

Job Purpose:

The Senior Manager – Retail Leasing will be responsible for driving the retail leasing strategy and execution across the company’s shopping malls, community centers, and mixed-use developments. The role ensures optimal tenant mix, maximization of rental revenue, and strong occupancy levels in line with the developer’s business objectives. This position involves leading lease negotiations, building strong relationships with international and regional retailers, and providing strategic input to support asset performance and long-term portfolio growth.

Key Accountabilities:

Leasing Strategy & Planning

• Assist in formulating and executing the retail leasing strategy to support the company’s commercial goals.
• Conduct regular market research and benchmarking to identify emerging retail trends, competitor activity, and rental rates.
• Provide input on tenant mix planning, zoning, and leasing layouts to ensure the development remains attractive to shoppers and retailers.

Leasing Operations

• Lead the leasing process for assigned retail assets, from prospecting to contract execution.
• Negotiate lease agreements, rental terms, and renewals within company guidelines.
• Identify, approach, and secure new tenants including anchor brands, international retailers, and regional players.
• Ensure timely lease renewals, minimizing vacancy and maximizing occupancy rates.
• Prepare and maintain accurate leasing reports, dashboards, and forecasts for management review.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Contribute to setting annual leasing targets and budgets.
• Monitor rental income, occupancy, and revenue performance against targets.
• Recommend rental rate adjustments and promotional strategies to enhance leasing outcomes.
• Support the Head of Leasing in preparing financial forecasts, feasibility studies, and portfolio analysis.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with retail groups, franchise operators, and industry stakeholders.
• Act as a key contact point for tenants, ensuring smooth communication and resolving leasing-related issues.
• Collaborate with Property Management, Development, Marketing, and Legal teams to ensure effective tenant handover and successful store openings.
• Represent the company at exhibitions, trade shows, and retail networking events.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and guide Leasing Executives/Managers in their day-to-day leasing activities.
• Provide mentorship and ensure continuous development of team members.
• Support succession planning and knowledge transfer within the leasing team.

Educational Qualifications, Work Experience, and Skills Required:

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Work Experience:

• Must have 10–12 years of experience in retail leasing, with at least 4–5 years in a managerial role within the UAE/GCC real estate sector.
• Strong track record of closing leasing deals with international, regional, and local brands.

Skills required:

• Must have an in-depth understanding of UAE retail market dynamics, shopping mall operations, and leasing practices.
• Strong financial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Bilingual (Arabic/English) is an advantage.