General Manager – Real Estate

General Manager – Real Estate | Reef GroupWe're Hiring: General Manager – Real Estate

Location: Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaType: Full-TimeAbout Reef HoldingReef Holding is a fast-growing Saudi group operating across fragrance, beauty, fashion, and retail, with a rapidly expanding regional and international presence across the GCC, Europe, the United States, and other global markets.As the Group continues to expand its retail footprint internationally, we are looking for a highly experienced General Manager – Real Estate to lead Reef Holding’s global real estate strategy, expansion planning, leasing activities, site development, and property portfolio across multiple markets.About the RoleWe are seeking a commercially driven and highly experienced General Manager – Real Estate to lead Reef Holding’s real estate function and support the Group’s aggressive global retail expansion plans.This is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and executing the Group’s real estate strategy across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, Europe, the United States, and other international markets.The role will lead the identification of high-potential locations, commercial evaluation of markets and sites, lease negotiations, landlord and developer relationships, portfolio optimization, and the development of a scalable real estate function capable of supporting rapid international growth.The ideal candidate must have strong experience in international retail real estate, expansion, leasing, site acquisition, portfolio management, landlord negotiations, and commercial evaluation of retail locations.The role requires someone who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth, multi-market environment, manage complex expansion pipelines, and work closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams across different countries.Key ResponsibilitiesGlobal Real Estate Strategy & ExpansionDevelop and execute the Group’s global real estate and retail expansion strategy.Lead market mapping and identify priority countries, cities, districts, shopping malls, high streets, and commercial locations for expansion.Build short-term and long-term international expansion pipelines aligned with the Group’s business strategy.Evaluate new markets and locations based on customer demographics, footfall, commercial potential, competition, occupancy costs, and expected financial returns.Support entry into new countries and develop location strategies for both established and emerging markets.Provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership regarding market entry, geographic expansion, and real estate investment priorities.Develop scalable real estate frameworks that can be applied across multiple international markets.Site Acquisition & LeasingLead the identification, evaluation, negotiation, and acquisition of new retail locations across multiple countries.Negotiate commercial terms with landlords, developers, shopping mall operators, property owners, and strategic real estate partners.Lead lease negotiations, renewals, relocations, expansions, closures, and terminations.Ensure lease agreements provide strong commercial and operational terms for the Group.Build and maintain relationships with major global and regional landlords, developers, mall operators, brokers, and real estate groups.Ensure new locations are secured according to agreed expansion timelines and commercial requirements.Partner with local market teams and advisors where required to navigate market-specific leasing practices and regulations.Global Portfolio Management & OptimizationManage and continuously review Reef Holding’s international real estate portfolio.Analyze store performance, occupancy costs, rental ratios, lease structures, portfolio productivity, and market-level performance.Identify underperforming locations and recommend relocation, renegotiation, resizing, expansion, or closure where required.Improve the commercial efficiency and return of the Group’s property portfolio across different markets.Maintain visibility over lease commitments, critical dates, commercial terms, and portfolio risks.Develop standardized portfolio management practices across countries while accommodating local market requirements.Financial & Commercial ManagementDevelop real estate budgets, forecasts, investment requirements, and expansion scenarios.Evaluate business cases and financial feasibility for new markets and locations.Analyze rental costs, CAPEX requirements, expected sales, profitability, payback periods, and return on investment.Lead commercial negotiations to achieve favorable rental rates, incentives, rent-free periods, fit-out contributions, turnover rent structures, and other commercial benefits.Monitor real estate costs across markets and identify opportunities for cost optimization.Compare investment opportunities across different geographies and recommend capital allocation priorities.Market Intelligence & International DevelopmentMonitor global retail real estate trends, emerging markets, landlord strategies, and competitor expansion.Benchmark Reef Holding’s portfolio and leasing practices against leading international retailers.Build strong market intelligence related to premium retail locations, high-performing malls, high streets, and consumer destinations.Identify strategic real estate opportunities that support brand visibility, commercial growth, and long-term market positioning.Develop relationships with international real estate networks and strategic partners.Cross-Functional LeadershipWork closely with Construction, Interior Design, Retail Operations, Finance, Legal, Procurement, Strategy, and international market teams.Ensure smooth handover of secured locations to design and construction teams.Align expansion pipelines with store opening plans, market launch schedules, and operational priorities.Resolve real estate issues that may impact construction, licensing, opening timelines, or store operations.Provide executive leadership with regular updates on expansion pipelines, negotiations, risks, market opportunities, and investment requirements.Team & Stakeholder LeadershipLead and develop the Real Estate and Leasing function.Build a scalable team structure capable of supporting regional and international expansion.Establish clear governance, approval processes, performance expectations, and reporting standards.Manage complex negotiations with senior external stakeholders across different markets.Build a strong network across developers, landlords, mall operators, brokers, and real estate partners globally.Represent Reef Holding in strategic real estate discussions and major international negotiations.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.10+ years of relevant experience in Real Estate, Retail Expansion, Leasing, Property Management, or a related field.Strong experience in international retail real estate and multi-market expansion.Proven experience managing large property portfolios and complex expansion pipelines.Strong track record in lease negotiations, landlord management, and site acquisition.Experience working across multiple countries or regions is highly preferred.Strong exposure to major shopping malls, high-street retail, flagship locations, and commercial properties.Strong understanding of real estate financial analysis, rental economics, CAPEX, occupancy costs, and investment feasibility.Experience within retail, fashion, beauty, luxury, F&B, hospitality, or other multi-location consumer businesses is highly preferred.Experience working with major regional or international landlords and developers is highly preferred.Strong understanding of different international retail markets, leasing structures, and commercial practices.Strong experience working directly with executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.Arabic and English are highly preferred; additional languages are an advantage.Key CompetenciesStrong commercial and negotiation skills.Global mindset and strong understanding of international retail markets.Strategic thinking and market expansion capability.Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.Strong financial and analytical capabilities.Ability to evaluate and compare investment opportunities across multiple countries.Strong leadership and ownership mentality.High level of business acumen.Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure, and geographically diverse environment.Strong communication and presentation skills.Ability to manage multiple markets and expansion priorities simultaneously.Why Join Reef Holding?This is an opportunity to lead the global real estate strategy of a rapidly expanding Group and play a critical role in shaping Reef Holding’s future international retail footprint.As General Manager – Real Estate, you will directly influence where and how the Group expands, lead major commercial negotiations across different markets, build strategic relationships with leading landlords and developers, and develop a global real estate portfolio that supports Reef Holding’s long-term growth.We are looking for someone who can identify markets, secure the right locations, negotiate at a senior level, build international partnerships, and turn global expansion strategy into successful retail destinations.