Senior Specialist Real Estate

This role is responsible for supporting and implementing the Real Estate department strategy and helping with the continuous improvement of the real estate processes. The role will support the alignment and harmonization of the existing EMC Real Estate teams to ensure consistency across the clusters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaboration across Emerging Markets Central Real Estate Team and Store Development Team to ensure consistency and delivery of the ROP and RFC which includes new stores, renovations, relocations, and closures.
• Collaboration across Emerging Markets Central Real Estate team to drive a structured and consistent approach to Portfolio Management and Lease Administration Management.
• Prepare reports and summaries by cluster as needed.
• Liaise with finance team (accounts) for all payment-related matters, i.e., invoices, refunds pertaining to corporate lease contracts.
• Review and record rent reductions and rent savings.
• Maintain ownership of Lease Management System to ensure payment accuracy and control of key lease events, mitigation of financial demands, and ensuring compliance with Lease requirements.
• Support the Real Estate Managers in all real estate-related functions.
• Drive Real Estate operational ongoing initiatives for Retail & Franchise initiatives, communicating and tracking progress.
• Support in the store planning of current and future ROP.
• Review BPM (Lease Approval) Forms for internal approvals.
• Support in preparing annual portfolio reviews including but not limited to lease renewals, renovations, etc.
• Review corporate lease agreements and prepare tracking of legal comments for different stakeholders.
• Facilitate and/or take part in the corporate lease negotiations internally and externally.
• Coordinate with Legal Departments to execute all legal documents pertaining to corporate real estate.
• Coordinate between landlords, leasing consultants, and internal departments to resolve any corporate leasing-related concerns.
• Ensure Emerging Markets Central lease guidelines are adhered to.
• Prepare Real Estate correspondence as necessary.
• Review, communicate, implement, and ensure compliance with global-related real estate policies.

Key Relationships:

• Internal – Real Estate, Retail Operations, Finance, Franchise, Legal & Compliance, HR.
• External – Landlords, Managing Agents, and external vendors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intermediate to advanced MS Office & Excel skills
• Strong Analytical & Reporting Skills
• Strong financial understanding/background
• Strong writing, communication, and project/time management skills
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally to achieve goals and objectives.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of Real Estate regulatory controls and policies
• Excellent attention to detail in reviewing and abstracting key data from leases and other contract documentation

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Finance, Business Administration, Real Estate is preferable.
• 2-5 years relevant experience as a Financial Analyst in a Real Estate environment
• Knowledge of Lease Management Systems and/or working in a Lease Administration function
• Fluent in both Arabic & English (written and verbal).