Director of Commercial Leasing

Job summary

Lead commercial leasing strategy across the portfolio to maximize occupancy, revenue, tenant retention, and long-term asset value. Manage and develop the leasing team, negotiate major transactions, monitor market conditions, and collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on leasing performance and strategy.

Job details

About Leyad Leyad is a Montreal-based real estate investment and management firm with a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and industrial properties across Canada. For over a decade, we’ve focused on creating long-term value through strategic, sustainable investments and a commitment to excellence. Our success stems from our ability to identify opportunities where others see challenges and consistently deliver strong results for our clients/tenants. Job Overview The Director of Commercial Leasing provides strategic leadership and direction for Leyad’s commercial leasing activities across the portfolio. This role develops and executes leasing strategies to maximize occupancy, revenue, tenant retention, and long-term asset value. The Director will lead and mentor the leasing team, oversee complex negotiations, build strong relationships with tenants and brokers, and collaborate with Property Management, Investments, Marketing, Finance, and senior leadership. Key Responsibilities Develop and lead commercial leasing strategies aligned with portfolio and property objectives. Oversee occupancy, rental rates, renewals, tenant retention, and leasing performance. Lead and mentor the commercial leasing team, supporting development and best practices. Build and maintain strong relationships with tenants, clients, property owners, brokers, and industry stakeholders. Lead major lease negotiations, renewals, expansions, restructurings, and new transactions. Identify new leasing opportunities and strategies to optimize underutilized space. Monitor market conditions, rental rates, competitive properties, and industry trends. Provide recommendations on rental rates, incentives, tenant mix, and lease structures. Collaborate with Property Management, Investments, and Marketing on leasing and repositioning strategies. Review leasing proposals, deal structures, and financial analyses. Ensure accurate tracking of leases, critical dates, and tenant obligations. Prepare leasing reports, forecasts, and recommendations for senior leadership. Support strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and business development initiatives. Maintain a strong network of external brokers and industry professionals. Represent Leyad professionally in negotiations, industry events, and stakeholder meetings. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field. 8+ years of progressive commercial real estate leasing experience. Previous experience leading, managing, or mentoring a leasing team. Strong knowledge of commercial lease structures, negotiations, and market conditions. Demonstrated experience developing and executing leasing strategies. Strong financial, analytical, negotiation, and relationship management skills. Experience with leasing platforms, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of commercial real estate markets and trends across Canada. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly between properties. Key Competencies Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop leasing strategies and lead teams toward organizational goals. Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of commercial real estate, market dynamics, and asset performance. Negotiation & Influence: Ability to negotiate complex transactions and achieve strong business outcomes. Team Leadership: Ability to coach, motivate, and develop leasing professionals. Relationship Management: Ability to build long-term relationships with tenants, clients, brokers, and stakeholders. Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate market and financial data and make informed decisions. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Problem Solving: Proactive approach to addressing complex leasing and business challenges. Why Join Leyad Join a collaborative and entrepreneurial real estate team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and long-term growth. This role offers the opportunity to lead the commercial leasing function, influence portfolio strategy, develop a high-performing team, and contribute directly to the growth of Leyad’s commercial portfolio.

What you’ll do

Lead commercial leasing strategy across the portfolio to maximize occupancy, revenue, tenant retention, and long-term asset value. Manage and develop the leasing team, negotiate major transactions, monitor market conditions, and collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders on leasing performance and strategy.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, or a related field, at least eight years of progressive commercial real estate leasing experience, and experience leading or mentoring a leasing team. Candidates should have strong commercial lease, negotiation, financial analysis, market knowledge, and relationship management skills, along with experience using leasing platforms, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office.

Listed skills

• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• CRM Systems · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Financial analysis · Preferred
• Business development · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Commercial Leasing Strategy
• Lease Negotiation
• Team Leadership
• Tenant Retention
• Market Analysis
• Financial Analysis
• Relationship Management
• Commercial Real Estate
• Occupancy Management
• Rental Rate Strategy
• Lease Structures
• Forecasting
• Business Development
• Strategic Planning
• CRM Systems
• Microsoft Office

Job areas

• Management & Leadership
• Sales
• Finance & Accounting

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