Application Open:
Full-Time
Job Purpose:
The Real Estate Manager is responsible for the overall management, oversight, and optimization of MBZUAI’s real estate portfolio, including long-term residential housing (faculty accommodation), academic and administrative leased spaces, retail units (if applicable), and short-stay accommodation within campus. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across lease management, financial control, landlord negotiations, portfolio planning, and housing performance, while supervising the Leasing Specialist and Hospitality Specialist to ensure effective and compliant property operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Real Estate Portfolio Management:
- Oversee all leased properties under MBZUAI, including faculty housing (long-stay units), academic and administrative buildings, office spaces, retail/commercial units, and short-stay campus accommodation.
- Maintain full visibility of lease commitments, expirations, financial liabilities, and utilization levels.
- Ensure the real estate portfolio aligns with the University’s growth strategy, operational requirements, and campus development plans.
Lease Strategy and Negotiation:
- Lead lease negotiations, renewals, amendments, and high-value or high-risk lease discussions with landlords.
- Develop negotiation strategies to optimize financial and contractual terms.
- Review and approve lease documentation and summaries prepared by the Leasing Specialist.
- Coordinate with Legal to ensure contract compliance and appropriate risk management.
Financial Oversight and Budget Control:
- Oversee all rental commitments and ensure financial accuracy prior to submission to Finance.
- Monitor rent escalations, service charges, and overall financial exposure.
- Prepare and manage the annual real estate budget.
- Identify cost optimization opportunities across the portfolio while maintaining service standards.
Housing and Short-Stay Governance:
- Provide oversight of long-stay faculty housing operations through the Leasing Specialist.
- Oversee short-stay accommodation operations through the Hospitality Specialist.
- Ensure housing allocation aligns with University policy and approved governance frameworks.
- Monitor occupancy rates, utilization trends, revenue, and cost performance.
- Establish and maintain performance standards for short-stay accommodation services.
Team Leadership and Operational Supervision:
- Supervise and guide the Leasing Specialist and Hospitality Specialist.
- Define clear responsibilities and workflows between long-stay leasing and short-stay operations.
- Ensure timely reporting, documentation accuracy, and policy compliance.
- Support team development, performance management, and continuous improvement.
Risk, Compliance, and Governance:
- Maintain centralized, audit-ready documentation for all lease agreements and property records.
- Identify contractual, operational, and financial risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Ensure compliance with UAE real estate regulations and MBZUAI internal policies.
- Support audit requirements and governance reporting obligations.
Strategic Planning and Expansion Support:
- Support campus expansion initiatives from a real estate and portfolio management perspective.
- Conduct market benchmarking on rental rates and property availability.
- Prepare business cases for new leasing opportunities and renewal strategies.
- Advise the Head of Campus Services on real estate strategy and long-term portfolio planning.
Other Duties:
- Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.
Qualifications and Criteria:
Essential:
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Facilities Management, Property Management, or related field.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in real estate portfolio management, property management, or corporate real estate within a structured organization.
- Demonstrated experience managing commercial and residential lease portfolios, including long-term housing and institutional or office spaces.
- Proven track record in lease negotiation, renewals, and contract management, with strong financial oversight and budget control responsibilities.
- Solid knowledge of UAE real estate laws, leasing regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Experience overseeing financial commitments, rental escalations, service charges, and cost optimization initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management experience, including engagement with landlords, legal teams, finance departments, and operational units.
Preferred:
- Postgraduate degree in a related discipline.
- Experience managing real estate portfolios within a university, research institution, or semi-government environment.
- Exposure to campus housing or faculty accommodation models, including short-stay or hospitality operations.
- Experience supporting portfolio expansion, market benchmarking, and business case development.
- Professional certifications in real estate, property management, or facilities management are an advantage.
