Director of Commercial Leasing

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.