Assistant Leasing Manager

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for leading and managing the Leasing function at Wetex Parade to maximize the Mall's occupancy rate, rental income and overall commercial performance. The role is accountable for developing and executing leasing strategies, strengthening the tenant mix, securing suitable retail, food & beverage and service tenants, and maintaining sustainable landlord-tenant relationships.

The Assistant Manager shall work closely with the Head of Group Leasing and Centre Manager on leasing direction and priorities, while coordinating with internal departments to ensure timely tenancy documentation, fit-out, store opening, renewals and other leasing-related matters.

Accountability:

1. Develop, recommend and implement leasing strategies for Wetex Parade in line with the approved business plan, leasing budget and positioning of the Mall.
2. Plan and continuously review the tenant mix, trade mix and space utilization to strengthen the Mall’s attractiveness, traffic and rental performance.
3. Monitor occupancy, vacancies, tenancy expiry profiles and leasing pipeline, and take proactive action to minimize vacancy periods.
4. Identify suitable concepts, brands and market segments to improve the Mall’s retail, food & beverage and service offerings.
5. Lead active prospecting for new tenants through market visits, industry contacts, property agents, business networks and direct approaches.
6. Conduct leasing presentations, site inspections and mall tours for prospective tenants and provide relevant commercial information.
7. Maintain an updated prospect database and follow up consistently on leasing leads until conclusion.
8. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing tenants, prospective tenants, and business partners.
9. Lead negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, restructuring and termination matters within approved commercial parameters and authority limits.
10. Prepare and recommend commercial terms including rental rates, percentage rent, tenancy period, fit-out period and other tenancy conditions for Management approval.
11. Ensure Letters of Offer, tenancy agreements and supporting documents are accurately prepared, properly executed and completed within the required timeline.
12. Follow up closely on tenancy renewals and retention plans to reduce avoidable tenant turnover.
13. Drive achievement of the Mall’s approved occupancy, rental income and leasing KPI targets.
14. Monitor rental yield, tenant sales performance, leasing conversion and other relevant commercial indicators, and recommend improvement actions where necessary.
15. Prepare rental comparisons, leasing forecasts, vacancy analyses and recommendations to support Management decisions.
16. Identify opportunities for temporary leasing, kiosks, promotional spaces or other income-generating uses where appropriate.
17. Coordinate closely with Fit-Out, Operations, Maintenance, Finance, Marketing and other relevant departments to ensure smooth tenancy handover and store opening.
18. Review tenants’ fit-out submissions from a leasing and commercial perspective and ensure requirements are aligned with approved tenancy terms and Mall standards.
19. Monitor fit-out and opening timelines and escalate delays or issues that may affect rental commencement, opening dates or customer experience.
20. Coordinate tenant relocation, reinstatement and handover matters where applicable.
21. Maintain regular engagement with tenants to understand business performance, operational concerns and future requirements.
22. Work with Centre Management and relevant departments to resolve tenancy-related issues promptly and professionally.
23. Support tenant retention and business sustainability initiatives while protecting the commercial interests of the mall.
24. Ensure effective communication between Group Leasing, Centre Management and tenants on all leasing-related matters.
25. Conduct regular competitor and market benchmarking on rental rates, tenant mix, new retail concepts, occupancy trends and developments within the Muar/Johor market and relevant catchment areas.
26. Prepare monthly leasing reports, leasing pipeline updates, expiry schedules, occupancy reports and Management presentations.
27. Maintain accurate leasing records, tenant information, prospect lists and documentation in accordance with company requirements.
28. Provide timely updates to the Head of Group Leasing and Centre Manager on key negotiations, risks, opportunities and required decisions.
29. Lead, guide and coach the Leasing Team to ensure effective prospecting, follow-up, documentation and achievement of departmental targets.
30. Allocate work, monitor performance and provide day-to-day directions to Leasing Executives / Coordinators and assigned support staff.
31. Promote continuous improvement in leasing processes, reporting, database management and workflow efficiency.
32. Perform other leasing-related duties, projects and assignments as directed by the Head of Group Leasing, Centre Manager or Management.

Generic Responsibility:

1. Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, Discretionary Authority Limits (DAL), internal controls and approved leasing procedures.
2. Uphold professionalism, integrity, confidentiality and ethical business conduct in all dealings with tenants, prospects, agents and business partners.
3. Ensure leasing activities comply with applicable laws, regulations and Occupational Safety and Health requirements.
4. Protect the interests and reputation of Wetex Parade and Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd in all commercial dealings.
5. Promote teamwork, accountability and effective collaboration across Group Leasing, Centre Management and supporting departments.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Property Management, Marketing or a related field.
2. Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience in shopping mall leasing, retail property leasing or commercial property management; candidates with team-leading or supervisory experience will have an added advantage.
3. Proven experience in tenant prospecting, lease negotiations, tenancy renewals and tenant relationship management.
4. Good understanding of shopping mall leasing practices, tenant mix planning, rental structures and the Malaysian retail market.
5. Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
6. Proactive, target-driven and commercially minded, with the ability to work independently and lead a team.
7. Good command of written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia.
8. Computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

Competency:

1. Leasing Strategy & Commercial Acumen
2. Tenant Prospecting & Business Development
3. Negotiation & Influencing Skills
4. Tenant Mix Planning & Market Analysis
5. Stakeholder & Tenant Relationship Management
6. Leadership, Coaching & Team Management
7. Analytical, Planning & Problem-Solving Skills
8. Reporting, Presentation & Communication Skills
9. Execution, Follow-Up & Results Orientation

Reporting Line:

1. Centre Manager

Location:

Wetex Parade, Muar, Johor.