Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is inviting applications for the permanent, full time position of Senior Leasing Specialist in the Corporate Real Estate division of Property, Fleet & Environment.

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Under the direction of the Manager, Leasing & Tenant Services, the Senior Leasing Specialist is responsible for the provision of real estate leasing services across the organization. Duties include internal and external start-to-finish leasing projects, acquisition of new leased space, policy and process development and project management. The Senior Leasing Specialist will ensure that negotiated leases are to the approved form and the requirements of occupants of municipally owned and leased buildings are met.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead negotiations for all types of leasing contracts including new lease agreements, license agreements, amendments, renewals, extensions, terminations, and assignments; establishing favourable contract terms and conditions for HRM as either Landlord or as Tenant.

• Prepare, review, negotiate, and finalize leasing contract documents in coordination with Legal Services. Focus on attention to detail with a view to accuracy and risk mitigation for HRM.

• Research, review, analyze, and set market rent rates, discounted rent, license fees, operating costs and recoveries, and annual increases for HRM owned properties. Build lease budget estimates and forecasts for new properties leased by HRM.

• Provide research, oversight, subject matter expertise, advice, and negotiations on behalf of other business units in the preparation of community leases, licenses and other property transactions.

• Coordinate leasing projects using a combination of in-house and external resources (such as operations staff, contractors, consultants, landlords) that support BU operational requirements and represent best value to HRM.

• Direct and coordinate in-house staff as required; responsible to oversee and provide direction to independent service providers and internal staff and make recommendations in respect of performance management and progressive discipline. Participate in business continuity planning, as required.

• Manage external service providers and contractors to ensure that the delivery of lease premises is completed according to services expectations and budget ensuring contractual and/or lease obligations are met, ensuring quality work. • Identify any changes to rates, contractual obligations or state of repair arising from lease agreements for consideration in preparation of annual capital and operating budget plans.

• Represent HRM with respect to dealings with external tenants, landlords, purchasers and sellers, members of the public, and other levels of government.

• Lead and/or participate in cross-functional teams in the development of administrative orders, performance excellence initiatives, process improvements and corporate procedures through effective leadership and positive team building. Participate on internal and external committees, teams and boards.

• Manage projects as required for various projects and initiatives, including develop and maintain project charters, project tracking, and proving status updates to stakeholders.

• Conduct industry research as part of best practices to ensure HRM is utilizing opportunities effectively and ensuring long term viability of portfolio.

• Prepare and present reports to internal clients, senior management team, Committees and Regional Council, such as Council Reports, approval reports, portfolio performance reports, business unit performance reports, briefing notes, and memos.

• Develop and maintain various leasing templates including forms of contract, offer and termination letters in cooperation with Legal Services. Lead review of corporate lease templates and other related contracts with Legal Services, annually or as required, to address changing legislation, incorporate new best practices and reduce risk to HRM. May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:

• Post secondary education in a related discipline such as Business Administration, Legal Administration or Property/Facility Management

• A minimum of five (5) years related experience in the following:

  • Leasing commercial real estate, including negotiating lease terms, drafting leases, licenses, amendments and other related agreements, and ongoing lease management
  • Leading projects of various types including planning and acquisition of new leased premises and developing and implementing business processes

• Holds or willing to complete within an agreed timeframe of one of the following designations or other comparable industry related certification is required:

  • ALO (Accredited Leasing Officer) or CPM (Certified Property Manager) - Real Estate Institute of Canada
  • RPA/FMA (Real Property Administrator/Facility Management Administrator) - Building Owners & Managers Institute

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge in the management of a wide variety of real estate services, including leasing, property management, project management and administration.
• Strong knowledge of the real estate industry, specifically the practices related to leasing, property and management and general realty services.
• Knowledge of occupational health, safety and environmental regulations, statues and practices.
• Strong knowledge of HRM organization, corporate mandates and the missions and objectives of various business units to help guide development of solutions for leased space requests and office requirements.
• Well versed on HRM policies and legislation as well as current Government regulations and statutes relating to real property.
• Strong knowledge of lease agreements, purchase and sale agreements, contract agreements, contract development, lease language and clause terms.
• Execute work with a high level of concentration with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong Proficiency and expertise with Microsoft Word including familiarity with tracked changes in document editing; and creating and updating document table of contents
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong foundational mathematic skills, particularly knowledge of standard real estate calculations including proportional shares, CAM, amortizations, and lease budgeting

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note - Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Communications, Conflict Management, Customer Service, Organization & Planning, Organizational Awareness, Networking/Relationship Building, Risk Management, Teamwork & Cooperation, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-Time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.

SALARY: Non-Union Level 6, $72,370 - $93,650. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience and qualifications related to the specified pay band and job. Placement above the midpoint of the pay band is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the minimum qualifications, such as those with exceptional experience, specialized skills, or demonstrated achievements relevant to the role. This ensures fair and consistent compensation practices across the organization. (The salary band for this position is currently under review.)

WORK LOCATION: 3rd Floor, Dartmouth Ferry Terminal, 88 Alderney Dr., Dartmouth

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

(position # 78606484)