Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Leasing to lead leasing activities across its residential and commercial property portfolio in Dubai, UAE. The role focuses on developing leasing strategies, increasing occupancy, driving rental revenue, optimizing portfolio performance, and identifying new business opportunities across the UAE real estate market.
The Associate Director will lead the Leasing and Leasing Administration teams, establish performance objectives, manage high-value transactions, and work closely with Asset Management, Finance, Legal, Property Management, Development, and Marketing teams.
This opportunity is suited to a senior real estate professional with extensive UAE market experience, strong commercial knowledge, established broker relationships, and a proven background in residential and commercial property leasing.
Key Responsibilities
Leasing Strategy and Portfolio Management
- Develop and implement leasing strategies for residential and commercial properties.
- Translate overall business and asset objectives into practical leasing plans and measurable targets.
- Analyze rental demand, vacancy levels, lease expiries, customer segments, competitor activity, and market conditions.
- Adjust leasing strategies according to market trends and portfolio performance.
- Monitor leasing performance against annual revenue, occupancy, and growth objectives.
Revenue Growth and Portfolio Optimization
- Identify opportunities to increase rental income and improve portfolio financial performance.
- Develop appropriate pricing, rental optimization, lease structures, and inventory strategies.
- Work with Asset Management and Finance teams to evaluate the financial impact of leasing decisions.
- Monitor rental income, portfolio yield, leasing revenue, and performance against approved budgets.
- Support long-term asset value through effective leasing and revenue management.
Occupancy and Tenant Management
- Lead initiatives to maintain strong occupancy across the residential and commercial portfolio.
- Develop strategies for new leases, renewals, expansions, and tenant retention.
- Proactively manage vacant properties and identify suitable prospective tenants.
- Negotiate renewal terms and rental adjustments in line with approved property objectives.
- Monitor occupancy, vacancy reduction, renewal performance, and rental growth.
Business Development and Market Expansion
- Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective tenants, customers, and business opportunities.
- Leverage established UAE real estate relationships to generate new leasing opportunities.
- Identify new market channels and opportunities to increase leasing revenue.
- Build relationships with prospective customers and key market participants.
- Contribute to the expansion of the company’s real estate leasing portfolio.
Broker and Channel Partner Management
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with UAE real estate brokers and channel partners.
- Develop effective broker engagement strategies to increase market coverage.
- Set performance expectations for channel partners and monitor results.
- Identify high-performing brokers and develop long-term strategic partnerships.
- Generate new business through broker networks and market relationships.
Pricing and Lease Negotiations
- Lead negotiations for complex and high-value residential and commercial leasing transactions.
- Review rental rates, incentives, lease structures, and commercial terms.
- Ensure proposed transactions remain aligned with approved pricing and asset objectives.
- Protect portfolio value while achieving commercially sustainable leasing agreements.
- Provide strategic input on pricing and negotiation approaches.
Market Intelligence
- Monitor the Dubai and UAE real estate market, including rental trends, demand, competition, and customer behavior.
- Track relevant property market developments and regulatory requirements.
- Use market intelligence to support leasing strategies, pricing decisions, and product positioning.
- Conduct regular market reviews to identify emerging leasing opportunities.
- Provide management with relevant market insights and recommendations.
End-to-End Leasing Transactions
- Manage the complete leasing transaction process from lead generation through negotiation and contract execution.
- Coordinate with Leasing Administration, Legal, Finance, Property Management, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure leasing transactions comply with applicable UAE regulations and internal procedures.
- Maintain accurate documentation and transaction records.
- Ensure transactions are completed within agreed timelines and commercial requirements.
Team Leadership and Development
- Lead, manage, and develop the Leasing and Leasing Administration teams.
- Establish clear performance expectations, targets, and accountability standards.
- Monitor individual and team performance against agreed objectives.
- Improve productivity, processes, and leasing capabilities across the team.
- Support employee development and build a high-performing leasing function.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Asset Management, Development, Property Management, Finance, Marketing, and Legal teams.
- Provide leasing expertise and market insights for asset planning and investment decisions.
- Align leasing priorities with broader property and business strategies.
- Support strategic pricing and portfolio decisions.
- Resolve cross-functional issues and ensure timely completion of leasing initiatives.
Skills Required for Associate Director Leasing Jobs
Candidates applying for Associate Director Leasing Jobs in Dubai should demonstrate:
- Strong strategic leadership experience in real estate leasing.
- Extensive knowledge of the UAE residential and commercial property market.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong understanding of property pricing, rental trends, occupancy, and revenue optimization.
- Proven ability to develop portfolio-level leasing strategies.
- Strong financial, analytical, forecasting, and commercial skills.
- Established relationships with UAE real estate brokers and market partners.
- Experience managing high-value and complex leasing transactions.
- Strong leadership and people-development capabilities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Qualifications and Experience
- 15+ years of UAE real estate experience with significant exposure to residential and commercial leasing.
- Proven track record of delivering leasing revenue and occupancy objectives.
- Experience developing and implementing portfolio-wide leasing strategies.
- Strong knowledge of UAE property market dynamics and applicable DLD and RERA regulations.
- Established professional network across UAE real estate brokers and channel partners.
- Experience generating new business through market relationships.
- Strong knowledge of pricing, forecasting, financial analysis, and revenue optimization.
- Previous experience leading Sales, Leasing, and Leasing Administration teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
- MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
- RICS, CCIM, or equivalent professional real estate certification is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, CRM systems, and relevant leasing tools.
About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate
Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is the real estate development and operations arm of the Al-Futtaim Group, managing a substantial portfolio across the MENA region.
The business operates across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and other real estate sectors. Its activities cover the property development lifecycle, including land development, master planning, construction, sales, leasing, operations, and asset management.
With more than four decades of experience, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate develops and manages major destinations designed to support communities and create long-term value.
Its portfolio includes major mixed-use destinations such as Dubai Festival City in the UAE and Cairo Festival City in Egypt.
Job Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates