Job Summary:

Supports all retail leasing activities and budgeted income related to the Mall and Central Market projects at the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, which has over 450 shops, kiosks and ATM, with an income of approximately AED 117 million

Roles and Responsibilities:

Pre-opening of The Mall at World Trade Center

Support the entire Retail Leasing process on The Mall including:

Input projected budget income and size, configuration of the shop units, placement of anchors, hypermarket, LSU’s, food-court, casual dining and coffee shops, cinema, FEC and other entertainment centres; initiate and support the preparation of the tenant mix strategy.

Initiate deals and work with the Manager regarding negotiation on a strategic leasing basis; conclude the deals with the anchor retailers and major retail groups under the auspices of the Manager.

Overseeing the Lease Administrators to finalise the Leases and issue NTC’s to the Retail Deliver Team

Work with the Retail Delivery Team to ensure that the shops open on time.

Both oversee and execute all retail leasing activities on The Mall, as well as specialty (kiosk/ATM’s) leasing activities ensuring they meet the Retail Portfolio Manager and General Managers guidelines and expectations, including:

Post Opening of The Mall at World Trade Center

Issue lease proposals to potential tenants

Negotiate commercial terms and special lease conditions with retailers and kiosk operators under the auspices of the Leasing Manager,

Track lease expiries and negotiate renewals; initiate lease renewals six months in advance

Input to the annual budgetary review of the asset and recommend adjustments to respond to market conditions if required.

Assess leasing issues on an on-going basis and recommend and implement remedial tactics to mitigate risk.

Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Regional retailers and their portfolios.

Originate and expand relationships with Middle East regional retailers; source and connect with new potential tenants.

Update CRM system to meet Retail Leasing needs and liaise with IT/ERP on platform maintenance and updates.

Capabilities / Skills:

Business Capabilities

8+ years in retail leasing, with at least 3+ years exposure in the UAE retail market; capable of leading the development and implementation of the retail business strategy

Proficient in setting-up and executing leasing targets with the help of historic figures, economic patterns and demographic dictates in alignment 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.

Capable of preparing the layout and draft outline of the retail facility with the purpose of maximizing the rental income and asset value of the project.

Interpersonal Skills:

Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Excellent negotiation, persuasion, conflict resolution/management skills

Key Performance Indicators:

Lease up all units ahead of the approved lease up schedule.

Measuring the value added to the projects (% achieved above appraisal) through strategic leasing

Number of tenants open and trading measured against the planned numbers

Within the tenancy mix, establish a Unique Point of Difference when measured against other Shopping Centre’s in the region.