Job Title: Manager, Sales and Leasing
Reports To: Executive Vice President, Residential
Department: Residential
Position Summary
The Manager, Sales and Leasing is responsible for the successful leasing performance of a 460-unit purpose-built rental community, with a clear mandate to drive and sustain high occupancy and revenue performance.
This role requires a highly hands-on leasing leader who actively participates in day-to-day leasing execution, including conducting tours, engaging directly with prospects, and following up on leads to drive conversions. The successful candidate will lead from the front, setting the standard for leasing excellence while ensuring the asset achieves and maintains target occupancy, rental rates, and resident satisfaction levels.
While the immediate priority is leasing performance and stabilization of the purpose-built rental asset, the role also includes an important pre-construction sales component within the broader portfolio. In addition, this position will play a key role in the 2027 launch and lease-up of a future purpose-built rental development, requiring both strategic foresight and operational execution.
Key Responsibilities
Leasing Leadership, Execution & Occupancy Performance
- Lead the end-to-end leasing strategy for a 460-unit purpose-built rental building, from lease-up through stabilization and ongoing operations.
- Drive occupancy targets through disciplined execution and performance management.
- Act as a hands-on “player-coach”, actively participating in leasing activities alongside the team, including:
- Conducting in-person and virtual tours
- Responding to inquiries and engaging directly with prospective residents
- Performing timely and consistent lead follow-up
- Closing leases and maintaining strong personal conversion performance
- Lead by example in delivering a best-in-class leasing experience, setting expectations for responsiveness, professionalism, and sales effectiveness.
- Monitor key metrics including traffic, tours, conversion ratios, leasing velocity, and renewal rates.
- Develop and implement pricing, incentives, and promotional strategies aligned with market conditions.
- Conduct ongoing market analysis to ensure competitive positioning and revenue optimization.
- Oversee all leasing administration and reporting using Yardi (mandatory).
- Ensure accurate tracking of prospects, leasing funnel metrics, occupancy, and forecasting.
- Establish best practices for CRM usage, lead management, and follow-up discipline.
- Be the onsite presence in the sales/leasing centre from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 7pm as core hours.
Team Leadership & Performance Culture
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of on-site leasing professionals.
- Establish clear KPIs and accountability frameworks, including conversion and occupancy targets.
- Foster a high-performance, execution-driven culture, where the Manager operates as a working leader.
- Provide training in closing techniques, customer engagement, and leasing systems.
Pre-Construction Sales
- Support pre-construction sales initiatives across the residential portfolio as required.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external broker networks to drive sales performance and market exposure.
- Contribute insights on market demand, pricing, and product positioning.
- Meet with prospects, purchasers, and brokers as necessary for sales calls or finishes selections.
- Maintain relationships with agents/brokers and industry stakeholders.
- Be available during events, sales launch, open houses, and other events outside of core hours.
Future Lease-Up
- Play a key role in the planning and execution of a new rental building anticipated within the next 18 months.
- Contribute to early-stage leasing strategy, including branding, pricing, and absorption planning.
- Lead or support the lease-up campaign for the new asset, applying best practices and lessons learned from existing operations.
Marketing & Lead Generation
- Partner with marketing to drive qualified traffic and conversions through targeted campaigns.
- Optimize digital channels, ILS platforms, and referral strategies.
- Ensure strong alignment between marketing promises and on-site leasing delivery.
- Provide regular reporting and insights on leasing performance, market conditions, and forward strategy.
Resident Experience & Retention
- Work closely with property management to ensure a seamless resident journey from first tour through renewal.
- Support initiatives that enhance retention, satisfaction, and long-term occupancy stability.
Academic / Professional Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in business, real estate, marketing, or related field.
- 5+ years of progressive leasing experience, focused on purpose-built rental / multi-family residential assets.
- Proven experience in lease-up and/or stabilization of large-scale residential communities (200+ units).
- Demonstrated success in achieving and maintaining high occupancy levels.
- Mandatory Yardi experience (Voyager, CRM, etc.).
- Experience with or exposure to pre-construction residential sales is an asset.
- Strong understanding of leasing metrics, pricing strategy, and market dynamics.
- Experience managing and developing high-performing leasing teams.
Key Competencies
- Strong hands-on leasing, touring, and closing ability
- Results-driven with focus on occupancy and conversion metrics
- Ability to balance strategic oversight with daily execution
- Excellent customer engagement and relationship management skills
- Data-driven with strong analytical and reporting capabilities
- Leadership style rooted in leading by example
Values
The Manager, Sales and Leasing must be client focused, advocate and communicate a positive image of the company, both internally and externally. The Manager, Sales and Leasing shall take accountability for decisions made and conduct oneself in a respectful and ethical manner in representing the company’s interests. The Manager, Sales and Leasing shall demonstrate entrepreneurialism and behave like an “owner” in carrying out daily tasks and responsibilities, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in achieving desired results. The Manager, Sales and Leasing is expected to be a team player and work effectively with colleagues and associates in terms of input, sharing of ideas and working to achieve common goal.
The expected base pay range is: $90,000-$110,000. The base pay range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. SmartCentres values the contribution of our Associates, and our individual salaries may vary based on the geographical location of successful candidates, as well as their experience, qualifications or skills.
Smartcentres does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in its own applicant tracking system, and all hiring decisions are made by our recruitment / hiring team. AI may be used by external platforms or third-party agencies during the application process. Applicants should be aware that such external platforms operate independently of the employer.
The role posted is for an existing, active vacancy.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted about an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.
