Why Merus?
Merus brings more than 130 years of commercial real estate experience to the construction, development, ownership, and management of a diverse portfolio of assets across a growing footprint in the eastern U.S.
We’re all owners here. That shared ownership shapes how we work, make decisions, and support one another. Every team member is expected to take responsibility, follow through, and contribute to the success of our projects, partners, and company.
We were named a Deloitte U.S. Best Managed Company, recognizing how private companies are run across strategy, execution, culture, and financial discipline. That same standard shows up in how teams are supported, decisions are made, and the business continues to scale.
Learn more about our culture at www.merus1894.com.
Summary of Responsibilities
The Leasing Manager is responsible for leading leasing strategy and execution across the Merus portfolio, driving occupancy, revenue, and long-term asset value. This role partners closely with Market Leaders, Development, Asset Management, and Legal to align leasing efforts with company goals. By combining deep industry expertise, a data-driven mindset, and strong broker and tenant relationships, the Leasing Manager plays a key role in enhancing performance and positioning Merus assets for success.
Overall, urgency is key to success in this role – we're looking for a driven, results-oriented individual who can operate with speed, focus, and a strong sense of ownership to capture opportunities and create value.
Essential Job Functions
- Engage listing brokers, determine marketing strategy, and prepare marketing collateral in collaboration with brokers and internal teams.
- Prepare responses for lease RFPs; lead negotiations, preparation, and review of LOIs and leases with Legal; maintain lease agreements and related documents, ensuring accuracy and adherence to internal policies.
- Partner with the internal Data Desk to conduct market research on rental rates, occupancy trends, and competitor activity; use insights to inform leasing strategies and maximize asset value.
- Optimize and refine processes to ensure efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Leverage industry relationships to enhance the company's market presence and strategic positioning.
- Develop, expand, and strengthen partnerships with brokers, advisors, service providers, and end users to drive profitable opportunities and maximize investment returns.
- Collaborate with Real Estate Development, Legal, and Asset Management teams to align leasing efforts with project timelines and operational goals.
- Execute and oversee special initiatives and additional responsibilities as needed to drive business success.
KPIs
- Lead-to-Lease Conversion Rate (days against benchmark) for all assets.
- Actual Performance vs. Underwritten for Lease-Up (months to stabilization), Rent (per SF), and TI & LC (per SF) for new developments.
- Occupancy (% SF leased against annual goal) for all assets under management.
- Average Rent per SF ($ against market benchmark).
- Rent Spread (positive $) for all renewals.
Essential Competencies
- Drives Results – consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
- Communicates Effectively – developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
- Decision Quality – making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward
- Directs Work – providing direction, delegating, and removing obstacles to get work done
- Managers Conflict – handling conflict situations effectively, with minimum noise
- Ensures Accountability – holding self and other accountable to meet commitments
What does success look like for this role?
- Effectively providing strategic guidance and serving as a partner to Asset Managers and Capital Markets leaders to drive investment value through leasing.
- Taking an entrepreneurial approach by proactively identifying opportunities, owning projects, and collaborating effectively to drive results.
- Demonstrating a strong sense of urgency – acting quickly and decisively to capitalize on opportunities and maintain momentum across multiple priorities.
- Successfully managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Engaging professionally and confidently with external partners, brokers, and tenants, as well as internal teams across all levels of the organization.
- Staying connected in the industry through education, networking, and ongoing skill development.
Qualifications and Experience
- 7+ years of commercial real estate experience in leasing or asset management across industrial, medical office, retail, and office assets.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Real Estate, or a related field.
- Proven leadership, project management, and negotiation skills, with a track record of maximizing investment returns.
- Strong understanding of market fundamentals, including demand/supply dynamics, vacancy, and absorption.
- Skilled in leveraging financial models and submarket knowledge to drive data-informed decisions.
- Well-established industry network; respected by brokers and advisors in the commercial real estate market.
Safety Hazard of the Job
Normal safety hazards associated with office work, and with occasional observational visits to construction sites.
Physical Demands
Low physical effort required to sit, stand at files, bend, stoop, lift, and walk. Maximum unassisted lift is 35 lbs. Average lift is less than 10 lbs. Requires ability to use a keyboard and monitor. Also requires the ability to communicate verbally, both in person and on the telephone. Requires extensive travel by car or plane.
Environmental Requirements
Average inside office environment. Average office noise levels. No personal protective equipment is required. Ambient temperature is between 68F and 76F.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management as required. This job description is not a contract or offer for employment, and either you or Merus may terminate employment at any time for any reason.
