Leasing Manager - Retail / QSR Industry - Newlands East, Durban

Opportunity Available!!!

Purpose of the Role

Our reputable Retail / QSR client is seeking an experienced Leasing Manager to join their property team based in Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the negotiation and management of the company's commercial lease portfolio, ensuring favorable lease terms are secured for new sites while protecting the organization’s commercial interests across existing locations.

This role plays a critical part in supporting the company's expansion strategy by negotiating high-value commercial leases, managing lease renewals, maintaining strong landlord relationships, optimizing occupancy costs, and ensuring compliance with all lease obligations and governance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Property Studies, Real Estate, Law, Commerce, Finance, or a related field.

• Professional property or real estate qualifications will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years' experience in Commercial Property Leasing.

• Previous experience within a Retail, QSR, Hospitality, Franchise or Multi-site business is essential.

• Proven experience negotiating commercial leases with shopping centers, landlords, developers, and property funds.

• Experience managing lease renewals, extensions, relocations, and portfolio optimization.

• Experience maintaining lease registers and ensuring lease compliance.

• Strong stakeholder management experience across internal and external business partners.

Knowledge

• Commercial property leasing.

• Retail lease structures.

• Rental models and escalation clauses.

• Beneficial occupation.

• Tenant installation (TI) allowances.

• Commercial contract negotiation.

• Property governance and lease compliance.

• Property portfolio management.

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word & Outlook).

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Lease Negotiation

• Lead negotiations for new commercial lease agreements.

• Negotiate favorable commercial terms that align with business objectives.

• Review lease agreements and identify commercial risks.

• Secure commercially advantageous rental structures and incentives.

• Negotiate lease renewals, extensions, and relocations.

Property Portfolio Management

• Manage the company's commercial lease portfolio.

• Optimize occupancy costs across the portfolio.

• Maintain accurate lease documentation and records.

• Ensure all lease obligations are met.

• Monitor lease expiry dates and critical milestones.

Landlord & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, brokers, and property management companies.

• Act as the primary contact for lease-related matters.

• Resolve lease and landlord-related issues efficiently.

• Collaborate with internal departments to support new store development and expansion.

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain an accurate lease register.

• Ensure compliance with lease agreements and governance standards.

• Monitor critical lease dates and renewal schedules.

• Work closely with Legal and Finance to mitigate commercial risk.

• Ensure all lease documentation is complete and up to date.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:

• Real Estate

• Development

• Finance

• Legal

• Operations

• Franchise Teams

• Support strategic property acquisition and expansion initiatives.

• Provide commercial property advice to business stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Excellent commercial negotiation skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

• Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.

• High attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to work independently and make sound commercial decisions.

• Results-driven with strong business acumen.

• Professional, ethical, and highly organized.

Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.