Director of  Leasing

Director of  Leasing

About the Company:

Lamar Companies is a full-service, privately held, real estate investment company headquartered in New Jersey.  Since its founding in 1972, the Company has routinely been ranked in the top 100 largest owners of retail shopping centers in the US according to National Real Estate Investors rankings. Lamar primarily focuses on opportunities created by real estate economic cycles and underperforming assets across the United States and is a principal investor in projects for its own account and in partnership with major institutions. Throughout the years the firm has maintained its entrepreneurial roots as a hands-on operating partner with a deep expertise in the retail space, and a unique ability to drive value for its investors.

Job Overview:

The Director of Leasing will oversee leasing strategy, negotiate renewals and new leases, collaborate with executives to ensure effective leasing practices, manage the leasing team’s communication, and deal flow with outside brokers and tenants across our expanding retail portfolio. For decades, Lamar Companies has remained focused on purchasing underperforming retail assets across the country which often include significant in-place vacancies, providing candidates a unique opportunity to benefit from a constantly revolving, built-in book of business. This position provides for the opportunity to oversee a substantial portfolio of high-quality centers that are well positioned in the market and have significant vacancy. The properties are located across the United States, and the job will require travel, and the ability to quickly become an expert on new markets that we enter. The position will be based in Lamar’s suburban New Jersey office. This position is primarily a commission-based pay structure; salary will be variable.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Company’s portfolio leasing efforts and provide guidance to junior leasing associates
• Provide support to acquisitions team prior to bid submission and during due diligence regarding lease-up viability, market rents, etc.
• Develop merchandise plans and targeted leasing strategies for each property to achieve business plan and increase property Net Operating Income
• Identify opportunities for improved property performance
• Identify and cultivate new and emerging tenant relations and actively identify retailers to fulfill merchandising visions
• Spend ample time on-site to conduct tours and meet with lease prospects
• Negotiate deal terms and leases and ensure seamless lease execution and store opening
• Proactively manage basic retail lease amendments and renewals within the retail portfolio
• Communicate tactfully, skillfully, and persuasively with third-party brokers, ownership entities, prospective and existing tenants, and local, regional, and corporate employees of all levels
• Work closely with in-house Asset Managers, Counsel, Property Management, Lease Administrators, and Acquisition Teams
• Create value for the assets through understanding evolving retail trends and having an in-depth understanding of local area competition
• Attend local, regional, and national ICSC deal making functions, as may be required
• Coordinate tenant interviews and complete competition studies for new acquisitions

Your Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of retail leasing experience
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Extensive national retailer relationships and deal-sheet
• Knowledge of merchandising, deal structures and lease terminology
• Significant experience negotiating LOI’s and leases
• Strong communication, quantitative, sales, time management and negotiating skills
• Self-motivated individual who takes personal ownership of the properties and exercises independent judgment while also being a team player