The Hospitality & Retail Services Specialist leads and coordinates all leasing initiatives for retail spaces throughout the entire project areas. This role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive retail marketing program, preparing proposals for prospective tenants, and negotiating lease terms that align with the client's strategic and financial objectives. The specialist oversees

specific development projects from conception through design, construction, and lease-up, requiring demonstrated success in managing all development aspects — including feasibility, programming, leasing, and permitting — through retail design, construction, and commissioning of retail spaces. Beyond leasing and development, the role encompasses the end-to-end management of the Retailer Onboarding and Clearance Process, ensuring a seamless transition for all incoming and outgoing retail partners. The specialist also integrates hospitality and catering service standards to elevate the overall community experience, acting as the primary liaison between management, retail tenants, catering providers, and relevant internal departments.

• Develop, update, and implement the client’s retail marketing and commercial strategy to ensure the right tenant mix aligned with community needs, demographic trends, and financial objectives.

• Identify, evaluate, and secure potential tenants in line with the approved retail strategy, proactively advancing negotiations and securing lease commitments and Letters of Intent.

• Prepare, negotiate, and administer lease agreements for existing and future retail spaces while ensuring compliance with the legal, financial, and operational teams standards.

• Conduct market benchmarking and prepare financial analyses to ensure the retail leasing program remains aligned with the client’s approved financial plan and revenue objectives.

• Establish and manage commercial strategy programs for retail services to generate sustainable revenue and optimize operational costs.

• Manage the full lifecycle of retailers including onboarding, operational readiness, inspections, compliance monitoring, performance reviews, and lease exit or clearance processes.

• Develop and implement a structured inspection and compliance program to ensure retail outlets meet the operational, safety, hygiene, and service teams standards.

• Provide strategic advice to the Hospitality & Retail Services Manager on retail planning, business opportunities, risk management, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Manage future retail developments from concept and feasibility through design, construction, and commissioning in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

• Oversee operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities related to retail shops (food and non-food) and associated facilities, ensuring efficient operations and reporting.

• Coordinate with retailers and approved catering service providers to support catering services for any business functions, community events, and private occasions.

• Ensure the hygiene, quality, and safety compliance of all food and catering services in accordance with the client's policies and relevant regulatory standards.

• Develop and implement retail operational systems, policies, and processes that support effective reporting, information flow, and organizational planning.

• Monitor customer feedback through approved communication channels, address concerns promptly, and implement service improvements to enhance customer experience.

• Manage retailer relationships, contracts, compliance matters, and stakeholder coordination to ensure smooth and effective retail operations across departments.

• Ensure all systems, dashboards, and websites related to Hospitality and Retail services are well maintained and updated.

• Ability to develop and execute long-term retail strategies aligned with the client's vision and community needs.

• Demonstrates sound judgement and the ability to make timely, well-informed decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.

• Strong understanding of financial modelling, budgeting, and lease economics.

• Proficient in drafting, negotiating, and administering commercial lease agreements and service contracts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Arabic; ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Committed to delivering an exceptional experience for both retail tenants and end customers.

• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results within budget.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Deep understanding of hospitality operations, HSE, food safety regulations, and guest experience management.

• Skilled in building and maintaining productive relationships with internal departments, external tenants, and service providers.

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Property Management, Marketing or equivalent.

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive operational experience in retail management, commercial property leasing, or hospitality services management.

• Proven track record in lease negotiation, tenant relations, and retail development project management.