Senior Manager - Retail Leasing (General)

Job description / Role

Job Summary:

* Undertake the initiation and successful closure of Retail Lease negotiations across Aldar's Retail Portfolio within pre approved strategy and financial parameters.

Roles and Responsibilities:

As a member of the Retail Leasing Team, input to the Leasing strategy and financial targets of Aldars Retail Assets as required including but not limited to:

* Input to the tenancy mix and gain approval from all stakeholders
* Input to the income budget of the revenue stream for each asset as assigned.
* Source appropriate tenancies on a strategic basis that fit the approved mix.
* Initiate and enter into direct negotiations to Lease assigned Retail Asset in accordance with the pre approved strategy/mix and financial parameters
* Receive/review and validate/approve retail concepts.
* Prepare and issue Lease offers in the appropriate format such as Lease Offer Summary or Letters of Offer.
* Oversee Lease Administrators in finalising all appropriate Lease documentation including all necessary Legal documents and the issuance of NTC's to the Retail Deliver Team.
* Follow up Lease offers/proposals to ensure timely turnaround of executed documents
* Work with the Retail Delivery Team to ensure that shops open on time.
* Manage and maintain appropriate reporting systems to ensure timely reports (weekly/monthly/or as required) to Senior management.
* Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Regional retailers and their portfolios.
* Originate/build and expand relationships with Middle East retailers.
* Maintain and update client database.
* Assist/co operate with follow members of the Retail Leasing Team in activities with the their projects

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Urban Estate Management, Business Administration, ICSC or equivalent is preferred

Capabilities / Skills:

Business capabilities:
* 10+ years in Retail Leasing including a minimum of 5+ years working in the UAE retail market.
* Track record and experience with retailers both in the UAE and Internationally.
* Retail leasing experience in super-regional malls, regional malls and community retail.
* 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 maximizing the rental and asset value of the project.
* Excellent business relationship with the retailers in order to gain periodic market intelligence.
* Experienced negotiator to ensure rentals are above the target rents, to maximize the asset value.
* An inherent team player with remarkable skills for interacting successfully at every level of hierarchy.

Interpersonal skills:

* 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
* Excellent relationship with major Middle East regional retailers
* Large and diverse network of clients (especially within the UAE)

Key Performance Indicators:

* The Leasing of the Retail Asset ahead of the lease up schedule
* The Leasing of the Retail Asset above budget so as to maximise the asset value. (% achieved above budget).
* The Value added to the project
* The establishment of a unique point of difference when measured against other shopping centre's in the region.

About the Company

The company has developed some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic and complex projects, from the Formula 1 facilities on Yas Island to the thriving new Shams Abu Dhabi community on Reem Island. Its property portfolio is diversified and balanced, with residential communities accounting for around half of assets, retail property representing a third, and the remainder split between commercial and hospitality.

With a land bank of over 77 million square metres, 90 percent of which is in special investment zones, Aldar Properties is focused on serving the growing demand in the UAE for high-quality and professionally managed property.

Aldar Properties is a strong partner of the Abu Dhabi government, which is a major shareholder. The business is aligned with the Emirates Vision 2030 strategy of economic diversification and social infrastructure development.