The Retail Leasing Director with create and implement the leasing strategy for a high end portfolio across the UAE. The portfolio will include large shopping malls, retail districts and community retail assets.

• Manage the Retail Leasing process for own retail assets
• Inputting to the Master Planning of the development in terms of the size, configuration of the shop units, placement of anchors, hypermarket, LSU\'s, food-court, casual dining and coffee shops, cinema, FEC and other entertainment centers whenever applicable
• Develop the tenant mix strategy and prepare for approval
• Initiate and facilitate direct negotiations to lease-assigned Retail Assets in accordance with the pre-approved strategy/mix and financial parameters
• Source and secure anchor and ancillary tenants
• Validate and approve retail concepts
• Conclude deals with the anchor retailers and major retail groups
• Oversee the Lease Administrators to finalize the Leases and issue NTC\'s to the Retail Delivery Team
• Coordinate with the Retail Delivery Team to ensure that the shops open on time
• Negotiate prices within/above range agreed with the Executive management
• Issue lease proposals to potential tenants
• Negotiate with current tenants and new prospect brands the terms from lease negotiations with tenants/prospects and ensure maximum rental income
• Oversee the entire lease process through from obtaining supporting documents (Trade License, passport copy, Power of Attorney, Article of Association etc.) required to draft Leases/Licenses until the signing of the lease documents and paying of all monies due (rent, service charges, marketing fees, deposits, fit out deposit etc.)
• Track lease expires and negotiate renewals; initiate lease renewals six months in advance
• Take leadership and ownership of the leasing plan, with the goal of maximising value creation and improving the tenant mix
• Prepare annual budgetary review of the asset and recommend adjustment to market conditions if required
• Assess leasing issues on an on-going basis and recommend strategies to mitigate risk
• Identify issues that may have meaningful economic consequences and work on finding solutions
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of regional retailers and their portfolios
• Originate and expand relationships with Middle East regional retailers
• Work collaboratively with the various stakeholder teams and executive management, as appropriate
• Initiate and oversee legal proceedings where legal action is required relating to tenancies
• Coordinate with Retail Delivery Team the design, graphics and fit out of retail units
• Ensure CRM system meets Retail Leasing needs and liaise with IT/ERP on platform maintenance and update

Opportunity to lead leasing strategy & operations for High-end Retail Portfolio|Position is with a well renowned property group in the UAE

Key requirements:

• Previous experience working with large retail group, developers or property management provider
• Extensive retail leasing experience in a senior leadership role
• Extensive network in the UAE retail sector along with an international network of high end retailers
• Experience leasing in large shopping malls, retail districts or community retail assets
• Capable of leading the development and implementation of the retail leasing business strategy in order to ensure achievement of organisational vision and mission
• Competent to oversee the Retail setup of a retail establishment structuring individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff
• Skilled in leading a team in identifying new value-added business opportunities using innovative concepts which can be converted into revenue generating opportunities aligned to the business objectives
• Proficient in setting-up leasing targets with the help of historic figures, economic patterns and demographic dictates in concurrence with finance and retail objectives
• Excellent knowledge of the total gamut of the international retail brands and exceptional relationship with the decision makers of the major retail groups / brand holders / Executives in the Middle East
• Well-acquainted through international travel to keep abreast of retail initiatives and brand positioning strategies
• Capable of preparing the layout and outline of the retail facility, with the purpose of maximising the rental and asset value of the project
• Using experience to formulate the tenancy mix strategy for the project whilst being cognisant of the indigenous demographics and socio-economic retail spend of the catchment
• Excellent business relationship with the retailers in order to gain periodic market intelligence
• An inherent team player with remarkable skills for interacting successfully at every level of hierarchy
• Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills
• Excellent conflict resolution/management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Our client is a major property group that develops and operates a multi-asset class portfolio including, residential, retail and commercial projects.

• Opportunity to work with a leading property group in the UAE
• Leadership role responsible for full portfolio strategy, operations and P&L
• This role will give access to senior leadership in the company with extensive knowledge an experience in the real estate sector
• Excellent work environment with multicultural workforce
• Competitive package and benefits

Michael Page