Leasing Manager

Job SummaryKnowledge Economic City (KEC) is seeking a dynamic, results-driven F&B Leasing Manager to spearhead the leasing and commercial strategy for our shopping mall portfolio. In this role, you will be responsible for attracting, negotiating, and securing top-tier restaurant operators, casual dining concepts, cafes, and premium Food & Beverage (F&B) brands. The ideal candidate possesses an extensive, established network within the regional hospitality and F&B market, a proven track record of closing high-value retail leases, and a deep understanding of current dining trends across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy & Leasing Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive F&B leasing strategy aligned with the mall's positioning, target demographics, and revenue goals.Tenant Acquisition: Identify, pursue, and secure high-performing local, regional, and international F&B concepts, ranging from specialty coffee shops to fine dining and experiential food.Relationship Management: Leverage existing, robust relationships with prominent F&B operators, franchise holders, and restaurateurs to drive occupancy rates and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective tenants.Negotiation & Contracting: Lead commercial negotiations for lease agreements, Heads of Terms (HOT), ensuring optimal rental yields, service charges, and favorable contractual terms.Market Intelligence: Conduct ongoing market research and competitor analysis across Saudi Arabia and the GCC to identify emerging F&B trends, consumer preferences, and benchmark rental rates.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate seamlessly with the Leasing, Legal, Fit-out/Tenant Coordination, Marketing, and Property Management teams to ensure a smooth transition from lease signing to store opening.Performance Reporting: Track and report on leasing metrics, pipeline status, budget targets, and tenant mix diversity to senior managementQualificationsExperience: Minimum of 5 years of dedicated retail/F&B leasing experience within shopping malls or commercial real estate developments in Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries.Network: An extensive, active network of contacts among key F&B operators, restaurateurs, and franchise management groups in the region.Track Record: A verifiable history of successfully sourcing, negotiating, and leasing spaces to premium and high-volume F&B brands.Skills: Exceptional negotiation, communication, and deal-closing skills. Strong analytical skills for evaluating financial statements, sales projections, and lease economics, and familiarity with retail real estate laws, lease structures, and tenant fit-out processes in the GCC.Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Real Estate, Marketing, or a related field.Language: Proficiency in English is mandatory