Leasing Manager

Job description / Role

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Leasing Manager to lead and manage retail leasing activities for Apparel Group's brands. This role focuses on executing leasing strategies to maximize occupancy rates and securing high-traffic retail locations across the UAE regions. The Leasing Manager will manage lease negotiations, market analysis, and tenant relationships to drive sustainable growth for our brands.

Key Responsibilities:

- Leasing Strategy Development: Develop and implement leasing strategies to achieve targeted occupancy rates, align with brand objectives, and drive retail growth in prime locations.
- Market Research & Analysis: Conduct detailed market analysis to identify high-potential locations and assess the competitive landscape. Use insights to advise on site selection, rental rates, and lease terms.
- Lease Negotiations: Lead lease negotiations with landlords and developers, optimizing lease terms, rates, and contract conditions to benefit both Apparel Group and property partners.
- Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of F&B and Fashion retail spaces, ensuring optimal location performance, rental optimization, and adherence to company leasing policies.
- Tenant Relations: Act as the main point of contact for landlords and property management teams, fostering strong relationships, addressing issues, and ensuring smooth communication.
- Budgeting & Financial Analysis: Collaborate with the finance team to develop leasing budgets, forecast occupancy costs, and assess lease profitability. Ensure leases align with company financial goals.
- Lease Administration & Compliance: Oversee lease documentation, renewals, amendments, and expirations. Ensure compliance with legal standards, property management regulations, and company policies.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with brand heads, marketing, and store operations teams to understand brand-specific needs, ensuring leasing strategies align with brand vision and operational requirements.
- Reporting & Metrics: Generate regular reports on leasing performance, occupancy rates, and market trends for presentation to senior management. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend improvements.

- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 6-7 years of experience in retail leasing within the UAE/GCC, preferably with a focus on retail Fashion brands.
- Strong network and knowledge of UAE retail property market and key retail locations.
- Proven expertise in lease negotiations , portfolio management, and financial analysis.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with landlords, property owners, and internal stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and lease management software.
- Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to solving leasing challenges.
- Strong understanding of UAE/GCC real estate regulations and leasing best practices.

Why Join Apparel Group?

Apparel Group offers an opportunity to work with some of the most renowned retail brands in a dynamic and innovative environment. As part of our Real Estate team, you will play a pivotal role in securing locations that drive our brands' growth and success across the region.

About the Company

The Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle brand conglomerate residing on the crossroads of a modern economy - Dubai, UAE. The mercurial growth in the last 17 years has been by acquiring a host of world class fashion labels from around the world - Nine West, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Aldo & Tim Hortons just to name a few.

Today the group caters to thousands of eager shoppers through its over 1530 stores, 75 International brands and employing 12,000 multi cultural staff in over 4 continents. Apparel believes in turning dreams in to reality and we give everyone - our customers, our stakeholders, our employees - an equal opportunity to do so.

Apparel group has carved its strong presence not only in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia but opened thriving gateways to market in India, South Africa, Poland, Singapore, Jordan, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Additionally, clear strategies are in place to enter emerging markets such as Hungary, Pakistan, Egypt and Philippines.