Head of Property Investment

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established Malaysian public-listed group with a strong track record in property development and township planning.

Job Summary

This senior leadership position directs the strategic oversight of a substantial office and retail real estate portfolio. The role is responsible for maximizing net income and asset valuation while guiding the organization on capital recycling and divestment strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive business plans for each office and retail property, focusing on revenue generation, occupancy rates, operational efficiency, and capital expenditure management.
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance asset competitiveness through repositioning, refurbishment, and value-add projects that drive yield and valuation growth.
• Monitor portfolio performance against market standards, proactively addressing underperforming assets to ensure optimal returns.
• Manage the annual valuation cycle, collaborating closely with external valuers to maintain accurate asset records.
• Direct the leasing function for both office and retail spaces, defining tenant mix strategies, rental guidelines, and securing anchor or flagship tenants.
• Drive key leasing metrics, including occupancy levels, lease renewals, tenant retention, and positive rental reversions.
• Negotiate and approve significant lease agreements within established authority limits.
• Collaborate with marketing and property management teams to improve tenant experience, footfall, and retailer performance.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to determine hold, enhance, or sell decisions, recommending assets for divestment or capital recycling.
• Evaluate and execute various exit strategies, such as outright sales, REIT injections, sale-and-leaseback arrangements, or joint ventures.
• Lead the end-to-end divestment process, coordinating with legal, tax, valuation, and brokerage advisors from preparation through completion.
• Assess potential acquisitions of income-generating properties that align with and strengthen the existing portfolio.
• Own the portfolio’s budgeting and forecasting processes, providing regular performance reports to senior management and the Board.
• Prepare detailed investment and divestment proposals for review by the Investment Committee and Board of Directors.
• Ensure all transactions adhere to stock exchange listing requirements and internal governance frameworks.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Asset Management and Leasing teams.
• Partner with Property Management, Facilities, Finance, and Marketing departments to ensure the successful delivery of asset-specific plans.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in commercial real estate, including at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing asset management and leasing for office and retail properties.
• Professional background with a listed developer, REIT manager, institutional landlord, or real estate fund.
• Demonstrated accountability for the income and valuation of a significant real estate portfolio.
• Proven track record of leading leasing teams and achieving measurable improvements in occupancy, rental reversions, and tenant retention.
• Experience executing complex asset divestments, REIT injections, or other capital recycling transactions.
• Familiarity with presenting to boards or investment committees and operating within public listing compliance requirements.
• Degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Preferred qualifications include MRICS, CFA, MBA, or a professional accounting certification.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a deep understanding of how leasing decisions impact overall asset value.
• Exceptional negotiation skills and credibility when dealing with tenants, brokers, buyers, and external advisors.
• A hands-on leadership style capable of setting high-level strategy while engaging directly in critical tenant and deal discussions.
• Extensive network among major office occupiers and retail brands in Malaysia.
• High level of integrity and discretion in managing price-sensitive information.

What's on Offer

• Full ownership and strategic influence over a sizeable office and retail portfolio within a listed group.
• Direct access to the CEO and Board, with significant input into hold, enhance, and divest decisions.
• Competitive compensation package including performance bonuses and long-term incentives.