Al-Futtaim Retail is looking for an experienced Senior Leasing Manager to join its retail leasing team in Dubai, UAE. The role is responsible for managing and developing the retail leasing portfolio across the MENA region, supporting business expansion, negotiating commercial terms, and maintaining strong relationships with landlords and internal stakeholders.
The position combines retail leasing, real estate negotiations, financial analysis, lease administration, and strategic portfolio management. The successful candidate will help identify new retail locations, manage existing leases, support store openings and closures, and ensure leasing decisions contribute to sustainable business growth while controlling financial exposure.
Key Responsibilities
Retail Leasing Management
- Manage and negotiate retail leasing transactions across the assigned portfolio.
- Identify and secure suitable retail properties for existing and upcoming brands.
- Negotiate commercial, rental, and lease terms with landlords and property owners.
- Review lease agreements and coordinate with legal teams on contractual requirements and potential risks.
- Manage lease documentation, approvals, payment processes, and transaction records.
- Maintain accurate leasing databases, tracking systems, and portfolio information.
- Support the planning and rollout of new retail locations across the MENA region.
- Manage lease renewals, amendments, relocations, and early lease terminations.
- Negotiate store closures and lease surrenders with the objective of minimizing financial impact.
Landlord and Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with landlords, mall operators, developers, and internal business teams.
- Work closely with legal, finance, store development, and business teams to complete leasing transactions efficiently.
- Provide regular leasing reports, market information, and commercial insights to senior management.
- Support lease reviews and help identify commercial, contractual, and financial risks.
Leasing Portfolio Performance
- Monitor and analyze the financial and operational performance of the retail leasing portfolio.
- Review rental costs and negotiate improved commercial terms where appropriate.
- Manage lease renewal schedules and negotiate competitive rental rates.
- Evaluate potential retail locations based on commercial viability, market conditions, and business requirements.
- Prepare management presentations covering leasing transactions, portfolio performance, and retail expansion opportunities.
Leasing Policy and Process Improvement
- Develop and improve leasing policies, procedures, and operational processes.
- Maintain accurate information relating to regional retail properties, including floor plans, lease details, and location data.
- Coordinate with Store Development teams and landlords during store openings, closures, relocations, and renovations.
- Support the preparation of feasibility studies and business cases for new retail projects.
- Provide leasing information and commercial analysis for presentations to the Al-Futtaim Retail Investment Committee.
- Identify opportunities to improve leasing processes, reporting, documentation, and portfolio management.
Skills and Experience
Candidates applying for Senior Leasing Manager Jobs in Dubai should have strong experience in retail leasing or commercial real estate. The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent negotiation and commercial leasing skills.
- Strong knowledge of retail real estate and lease administration.
- Proven relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Strong financial and analytical skills.
- Ability to evaluate rental costs, lease terms, and commercial opportunities.
- Good understanding of property markets and retail expansion strategies.
- Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple leasing transactions.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience in retail leasing, commercial real estate, or property management.
- Experience working with multiple brands, retail portfolios, landlords, or property developers is preferred.
- Previous experience in a multinational or regional retail organization is an advantage.
About Al-Futtaim Retail
Al-Futtaim Retail is a major retail business operating across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company has developed partnerships with internationally recognized brands across fashion, home furnishing, food, and other retail sectors.
Its portfolio includes brands such as IKEA, ACE, Toys R Us, Zara, Mango, Bershka, Marks & Spencer, Watsons, and B&Q across various markets. Al-Futtaim Retail continues to expand its retail presence through new brand launches, store development, and strategic partnerships.
For professionals looking for retail leasing careers in Dubai, UAE, this role offers an opportunity to work across a diverse regional property portfolio and contribute to retail expansion and leasing strategy.
Job Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates