Leasing Manager

Job Title: Leasing Manager

Job reference: Full time

Direct report to: Head of Development

Purpose / Role

The Leasing Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and securing commercial properties that support our client's growth strategy. The role manages end-to-end lease negotiations, builds strong relationships with landlords and property developers, and ensures that all lease agreements align with company standards and financial objectives.

Prime responsibilities and duties:

Site Acquisition & Evaluation

• Identify suitable retail spaces in high-potential markets for new store openings.

• Conduct market research, site surveys, and competitive analysis to support location decisions.

• Prepare business cases and site approval documents for management review.

• Support the prospecting and evaluation of new trade areas in collaboration with the development team.

• Identify, forecast, and evaluate potential trade areas to support expansion goals.

• Coordinate mapping and street indexing activities to produce accurate delivery maps that support effective store openings.

Lease Negotiation & Management

• Lead negotiations with landlords, agents, and property owners to secure favorable lease terms.

• Review and finalize lease agreements in collaboration with the Legal team.

• Manage renewals, rent reviews, and lease compliance across the portfolio.

• Oversee the daily operations of the leasing department, ensuring efficiency and alignment with organizational objectives.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, property developers, and real estate agents.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for lease-related issues, disputes, and escalations.

• Supervise external consultants in their engagements with government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Engage and manage relationships with estate agents in line with the annual development plan.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Maintain and update the company's monthly rental table and perform rental analysis to support financial planning and reporting.

• Ensure lease costs (rent, service charges, utilities) are aligned with approved budgets.

• Track and report lease commitments, deadlines, and financial exposure.

• Support Finance in forecasting occupancy costs.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all lease agreements comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate records of lease contracts and related documentation.

• Provide periodic reports on leasing activities, pipeline, and risks to management.

Other duties

• Identify and evaluate new trade areas through strategic prospecting and forecasting, ensuring alignment with the approved Development Plans.

• Coordinate mapping and street indexing activities to produce accurate and functional delivery maps that support effective store openings for the Development Projects team.

• Ensure timely and accurate payment of rent, statutory fees, utilities, VAT, and service charges for all leased properties.

The Person

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Estate management, Business Administration, or related field.

• Minimum of 5–7 years' experience in leasing, real estate management, or retail expansion (preferably in the QSR, FMCG, or retail sector).

• A highly experienced real estate professional with a strong background in property management, valuation, and agency services.

• Proven track record of securing prime retail locations.

• Good understanding of property laws, commercial leasing terms, and real estate market trends

• Demonstrates expertise in overseeing diverse property portfolios