Our Client, a highly respected and established real estate development and investment organization, is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Retail Leasing to provide strategic leadership for a significant retail portfolio throughout California and Nevada.
This executive-level position will play a key role in driving leasing performance, maximizing portfolio value, strengthening retailer relationships, and supporting future commercial development initiatives. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the successful candidate will oversee major leasing transactions, tenant strategy, portfolio optimization, and the continued growth of a well-established retail platform.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced retail leasing professional who thrives in a highly visible leadership role and enjoys working across leasing, development, asset management, and property operations.
Position Responsibilities
Portfolio Leasing Strategy
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Develop and execute leasing strategies designed to enhance occupancy, strengthen tenant mix, and maximize long-term asset performance.
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Identify opportunities to reposition existing assets and attract retailers that align with market demand and ownership objectives.
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Evaluate market conditions, competitive properties, and emerging retail trends to support strategic decision-making.
Tenant & Broker Relationships
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Cultivate and maintain relationships with national, regional, and local retailers, tenant representatives, and brokerage firms.
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Proactively source prospective tenants and negotiate transactions that support portfolio objectives.
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Serve as a key point of contact for major retail accounts and strategic tenant relationships.
Transaction Management
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Lead negotiations for new leases, renewals, relocations, expansions, and other occupancy-related agreements.
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Structure transactions to balance revenue growth, risk mitigation, and long-term portfolio value.
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Coordinate with legal counsel and internal stakeholders throughout the lease documentation and approval process.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Manage and mentor a team of leasing professionals while fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
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Work closely with Development, Property Management, Marketing, Asset Management, and Finance teams to support company-wide initiatives.
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Provide leasing guidance and market intelligence for redevelopment and new development opportunities.
Financial & Operational Oversight
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Participate in annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to occupancy and rental revenue.
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Analyze tenant financials, lease economics, and portfolio performance metrics.
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Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership regarding leasing activity, market conditions, and portfolio performance.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Real Estate, Finance, or a related discipline.
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Approximately 10+ years of retail or commercial leasing experience, ideally within an ownership, development, or investment environment.
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Strong understanding of lease negotiations, retail real estate fundamentals, and tenant relationship management.
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Demonstrated success completing complex lease transactions with national and regional retailers.
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Proven leadership experience managing teams and working across multiple departments.
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Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
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Experience with commercial real estate software platforms such as MRI or comparable systems is preferred.
Travel Requirements
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Periodic travel throughout California and Nevada.
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Regular visits to portfolio assets, broker meetings, retailer presentations, and industry events.
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive executive compensation package with base salary anticipated to be around $250,000, depending on experience.
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Performance-based bonus opportunity.
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Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
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401(k) retirement program with employer match.
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Paid vacation and holidays.
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Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
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Long-term career growth within a stable and highly regarded organization.
Confidential Search Conducted By Gillian Executive Search
For confidential consideration, please contact:
Kipp Gillian
President
Gillian Executive Search, Inc.
Gillian Executive Search specializes in the recruitment of senior-level professionals across retail real estate, mixed-use development, commercial leasing, acquisitions, asset management, construction, and development. For more than 25 years, we have partnered with owners, developers, REITs, investment firms, and retail operators to identify and recruit high-performing real estate talent throughout the United States.
All inquiries will be handled with the strictest confidence.