Director Key Accounts Development - Retail

Overview

Lead UAE retail network expansion by securing prime sites and managing developer partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• lease negotiation
• market mapping
• kpi tracking
• database management
• network roadmap
• stakeholder partnership

Tasks

The Key Accounts Development Director is responsible for driving Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s UAE network expansion strategy through strong partnerships with the UAE’s leading real estate developers. The role focuses on securing prime store locations, optimizing the current retail network, and establishing long-term, value-driven relationships that ensure the company’s brands occupy strategic and high-performing spaces within the market. This position is pivotal in shaping the company’s growth footprint by identifying, negotiating, and delivering new site opportunities and replacement strategies that strengthen the overall store network. -Lead all negotiations for new leases, renewals, and tenant replacement opportunities to optimize network presence and long-term performance. -Map and monitor the UAE retail real estate landscape to identify upcoming development projects, expansion corridors, and competitor movements. -Ensure full compliance with internal governance processes for site approval, lease documentation, and investment justification. -Coordinate feasibility assessments and ROI analysis with internal stakeholders before final site commitments. -Define and track KPIs related to network expansion, site performance, and developer engagement. -Propose and execute a network optimization roadmap to enhance profitability, visibility, and operational efficiency. -Maintain a live database and pipeline of all active and potential development opportunities. -Lead quarterly business reviews to present achievements, challenges, and future development plans. -Develop and deliver a 3-year network development roadmap aligned with corporate growth and market potential. -Secure 5-8 new prime locations across the UAE through strategic partnerships with the top 10 developers. -Ensure all projects are executed within approved timelines, budgets, and strategic alignment with the company’s network plan. -Establish preferred tenant or strategic partnership agreements with all key developers. -Continuously assess the performance of the existing network to identify underperforming or strategically misaligned sites. -Build and maintain trusted, senior-level partnerships with the top institutional real estate developers across the UAE. -Partner with Design, Construction, and Operations teams to ensure timely delivery of new sites and adherence to brand standards. -Lead relocation or consolidation plans where site performance can be improved through stronger positioning. -Develop joint development plans outlining upcoming projects, preferred tenant status, and shared business objectives. -Improve network efficiency and profitability, measured through enhanced average sales per site and optimized rent ratios. -Conduct periodic relationship reviews and ensure any issues are quickly resolved to maintain a strong and strategic relationship with the developers -Deliver quarterly insights and forward-looking recommendations to management for decision-making. -Act as the company’s primary interface with developer groups to identify collaboration opportunities and influence project planning. -Identify and secure prime retail locations for the company’s brands in both new developments and existing destinations. -Engage in pre-leasing discussions for upcoming malls, lifestyle destinations, and mixed-use developments to secure strategic entry positions. -Work closely with Finance, Legal, and Network Development teams to evaluate deal structures, risk exposure, and project viability.

Requirements

• site acquisition
• network planning
• 15 years
• negotiation
• business degree
• uae market

What You Bring

While we appreciate the interest of internationally based applicants, please note that due to the nature of this role, only candidates currently based in the UAE or those with recent, relevant experience in the UAE market will be considered. 4. Market Intelligence & Pipeline Development -Proven track record in site acquisition, network planning, and managing high-level developer relationships. -15-20 years of experience in network development, real estate expansion, or key account management within retail -Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills at executive level. -Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, or a related discipline. -Strategic thinker with the ability to translate opportunities into long-term network growth. -Strong understanding of UAE retail real estate markets and development processes.

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About Majid Al Futtaim

-Created from a vision to redefine shopping and leisure in the Middle East, this group evolved from a single founder's idea into a cross-continental leader. -It drives growth through major retail and community hubs like shopping malls, hotels, and mixed-use developments. -Features exclusive franchises and key projects such as Carrefour hypermarkets, VOX cinemas, Ski Dubai, iFly Dubai, and the iconic Mall of the Emirates. -Operates a leisure division that introduces unique attractions like indoor skiing, skydiving, waterparks, and flagship stores for LEGO and American Girl. -Known for impressive achievements, including the region's largest indoor ski floor, the first corporate green sukuk in the Middle East, and a multi-screen IMAX and 4DX cinema flagship.

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