Entry-level Leasing & Operations Manager

Entry-level Leasing & Operations Manager

About the Role

An entry-level management position integrating leasing and operations for GTC Mall. Reporting to the Leasing & Operations Manager, the incumbent takes charge of leasing execution, brand replenishment and store setup, full-lifecycle merchant management, and on-site operational quality control. The role bridges leasing strategy rollout and day-to-day operational delivery through cross-departmental coordination with the property management firm, Operations, Technical, and other relevant teams.

Responsibilities

• Leasing Implementation: In accordance with floor/area brand strategies and rental policies, independently conduct brand development and business negotiations. Follow up on tenant inspections, terms negotiation, preliminary review, and contract signing administration.

• Portfolio & Income Optimization: Manage vacant store leasing, negotiate lease renewals with existing tenants, and continuously optimize the brand mix. Oversee diversified operation spots (atrium pop-ups, temporary promotions, public area advertising) to maximize non-rental income.

• Market Intelligence: Regularly update the local brand database and agent network; track rental policies, store expansion plans of key brands, and propose brand adjustment and leasing optimization strategies.

• Premium Brand Outreach: Conduct targeted outreach to high-quality local and East African commercial chain brands aligned with the mall's high-end positioning, driving onboarding of benchmark local brands.

• Tenant Onboarding: Follow up on renovation drawings, paperwork, construction progress, fire protection and engineering acceptance, ensuring tenants open on schedule and in compliance with standards.

• Daily Tenant Management: Maintain merchant contract ledgers, conduct regular merchant visits, coordinate with property management, Operations and Technical departments to address merchant needs.

• Performance Monitoring: Track foot traffic by floor and format, monitor merchant KPIs (sales, sales per sqm, conversion rate), and generate operational data to guide management strategies.

• Contract & Payment Follow-up: Monitor merchant rent and fee payments weekly; initiate renewal negotiations for expiring contracts and manage full procedures for renewal, relocation, or vacating. Handle contract disputes under legal guidance.

• Merchant Engagement: Organize regular communication sessions to disseminate mall rules; collect brand activity information and coordinate with Marketing to execute mall campaigns.

• On-site Quality Control: Conduct daily patrols to supervise store opening/closing, displays, sanitation, pricing compliance, and promotional activity compliance; follow up on rectifications.

• Safety & Compliance: Coordinate with property management and Technical teams to supervise merchant compliance on fire, food, and electrical safety; conduct regular hazard inspections and manage emergency responses.

• Cross-departmental Coordination: Liaise with the property management company, Technical and Operations departments to establish efficient collaboration on merchant renovation access, fee collection, engineering rectification, and complaint handling.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure leasing processes and merchant operations comply with Kenyan commercial laws, tax requirements, and fire safety codes. Maintain a risk early warning mechanism for store closures, safety hazards, and operational irregularities.

• Preferred Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of leasing and operations experience in a shopping mall or commercial complex

• Over 1 year of supervisory experience in a similar role; urban complex project experience preferred

• Familiarity with the Nairobi and East Africa commercial market; existing mid-to-high-end brand and agent networks are an added advantage

• Core Competencies

• Business Negotiation

• Capable of independently conducting brand cooperation negotiations, balancing mall and merchant interests to secure optimal cooperation terms.

• Tenant Operations Management

• Practical capabilities in merchant relationship maintenance, business guidance, and issue coordination across the full tenant lifecycle.

• Data Analysis

• Proficient in Excel and PPT; capable of producing mall operation analysis reports using key operational indicators.

• On-site Management

• Familiar with mall operation standards; able to promptly identify problems, drive rectification, and handle emergencies.

• Communication & Coordination

• Strong cross-departmental coordination skills to efficiently align internal and external resources and resolve issues.

• Professional Ethics

• Upholds integrity and honesty, adheres to corporate principles, and eliminates compliance risks in leasing and tenant management.

• Why Join Us

• Be part of a landmark retail destination and contribute to one of Nairobi's premier shopping malls.

• Take on a dynamic, multifaceted role combining leasing, tenant relationship management, and operational excellence.

• Build valuable partnerships with leading local and international brands, tenants, and cross-functional teams.

• Shape the mall's brand portfolio, enhance customer experience, and drive measurable business impact.

• Grow your career in a professional, collaborative environment that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.