Lisa Kennedy
Terrigal,Australia
Summary
Results-driven property professional with experience across commercial, industrial, and childcare sectors. Expert in sales, leasing, lease and contract negotiations, and end-to-end transaction management. Known for building trusted relationships with vendors, purchasers, landlords, tenants, and consultants while delivering strong commercial outcomes.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Childcare Business Sales & Development Representative
Childcare Concepts
04.2024 - Current
- Represent vendors in the sale of established childcare businesses, liaising with approved providers, investors, valuers, accountants, brokers, lawyers, Australian Childcare Alliance and the Department of Education.
- Appraise business value using financials performance, tenure, rent, occupancy, payroll, assets and location metrics.
- Conduct site identification and due diligence, including feasibility studies, financial modelling to assess project viability project viability and investment return.
- Qualify prospective buyers and manage due diligence, confidentiality agreements, and disclosure requirements.
- Prepare Information Memorandums and marketing collateral and coordinate buyer inspections.
- Negotiate terms between vendors, purchasers, and landlords to align new lease agreements with business transactions.
- Assist principal and vendors on market positioning, growth potential, and compliance considerations unique to the childcare industry.
- Establish and manage a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database to track leads, providers, enquiries, and buyer engagement.
Development Manager
Stevens Group
01.2021 - 02.2024
- Managed end-to-end delivery of commercial and mixed-use development projects, from site acquisition through to planning, construction, and handover.
- Prepared and submitted business cases for board approval; coordinated with legal for lease finalisation and execution.
- Conducted feasibility studies, financial modelling, and market analysis to evaluate project viability and investment return.
- Negotiated commercial leases and property transactions, achieving competitive outcomes aligned with business strategy.
- Coordinated planning approvals, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects progressed within scope, budget, and timeframes.
- Partnered with senior executives on strategic development opportunities and pipeline growth.
- Applied strong analytical and negotiation skills to optimise financial and operational performance across multiple developments.
- Coordinate team social functions and events to support culture and team engagement.
PA/Assistant to Property Group Director and In-House Solicitor
Stevens Group
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Provided high-level administrative and operational support to the Property Group Director, In-House Solicitor, and Development Team.
- Managed diaries, meetings, correspondence, travel arrangements, and reception relief, including handling personal, confidential, and sensitive information for senior management.
- Assisted with preparation of feasibilities, cashflow analysis, due diligence, reports, business cases, presentations, and project documentation.
- Liaised with consultants and stakeholders to collate information and maintain effective industry networks.
- Maintained electronic and hard copy filing systems, databases, spreadsheets, and contact lists, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- Conducted research using web-based tools to support site evaluation, project planning, and decision-making.
- Identified and implemented process improvements, supported multiple tasks, and coordinated project management from instruction through to build completion and handover.
Development Specialist
Oliver’s Real Food
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Partnered with senior management to execute development strategies and site expansion programs.
- Sourced, inspected, and evaluated potential sites for new stores and relocations against strict selection criteria.
- Negotiated favourable commercial lease terms, ensuring alignment with company requirements and interests.
- Maintained accurate lease records, tracked renewals, and conducted market reviews to secure competitive terms.
- Supported store planning, construction, and opening preparations in collaboration with the Chief of Development.
- Coordinated store closures and strip-outs, including asset logging, relocation, and facilities management.
- Developed strong industry networks within the retail and commercial property sector.
- Maintained an active development pipeline and provided monthly board progress reports.
Office Manager
Hurst Homes Wagga Wagga
02.2015 - 10.2016
- Company Overview: Private Builder
- Liaised with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and financiers throughout all project stages.
- Prepared and managed construction applications, contracts, approvals, and compliance documentation.
- Oversaw WH&S documentation, compliance, insurance, reporting, and site inspections.
- Managed accounting, construction management, and reporting software, including Accounts Payable processing.
- Conducted site walk-throughs, progress inspections, defect identification, and subcontractor coordination.
- Provided regular client updates and managed reception and general office operations.
- Coordinated marketing initiatives, including social media, events, and community engagement.
- Conducted weekly marketing analysis of social media and online platforms to assess market drivers, competitors and customer demand.
- Private Builder
Property Manager
Knight Frank Wagga Wagga
02.2013 - 07.2013
- Managed commercial properties and shopping centres, including leasing and sub-leasing opportunities.
- Negotiated lease terms and instructed solicitors on documentation.
- Oversaw budgets, financial reporting, and capex projects.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with landlords, tenants, and contractors.
Retail Lease Administrator
AMP Capital
03.2008 - 02.2012
- Company Overview: National Shopping Centres
- Managed portfolio of retail leases across major shopping centres nationally.
- Negotiated commercial lease terms and coordinated approvals.
- Liaised with property executives, managers, solicitors, and tenants to secure successful leasing outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with Retail Leases Act (NSW & VIC).
- Coordinated fitouts, handovers, and timeframes for trade.
- National Shopping Centres
Senior Paralegal
Carroll & O’Dea Solicitors
06.1998 - 12.2004
- Assisted in managing a national retail leasing portfolio, preparing lease documentation and negotiating terms.
- Drafted precedents, clauses, and correspondence.
- Liaised with landlords, tenants, solicitors, and external stakeholders.
- Designed workflow and reporting systems for major retail client.
- Supervised and trained junior staff.
Senior Paralegal / Legal Secretary
01.1990 - 01.1998
- Roles with Sydney-based legal firms including Harper Watson, Bartier Perry, James Raissis, TJ Johnson & Co, McMahon & Meagher.
- Primarily focused on conveyancing, commercial leasing, property contracts, large commercial law contracts, wills, mortgages, intellectual property and settlements.
Education
NSW Assistant Agent Certificate of Registration -
Cert IV in Real Estate Practice -
10.2025
School Certificate -
12.1987
Skills
- Written & oral communication skills
- Sales & Leasing – Commercial, Industrial, Childcare
- Business & Property Transactions
- Contract & Lease Negotiation & Administration
- Client Relationship Management
- Due Diligence & Compliance
- Marketing & Business Development
- Stakeholder Liaison
- Financial Reporting & Data Management
- Attention to Detail
- Windows operating systems
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel & spreadsheets
- Facebook, LinkedIn & social media platforms
- Qikmaps
- Nearmaps
- GapMaps
- Mosaic
- Archistar
- RPData
- Cold calling
- Pipeline management
- Relationship development
- Leads prospecting
- Marketing support
- CRM tracking
- Sales team collaboration
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
Communication Skills
I have consistently received recognition for my exceptional communication skills and my ability to establish, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and key partners. My approach combines professionalism, empathy, and strategic insight, enabling me to build trust, facilitate successful negotiations, and drive positive outcomes across diverse projects and commercial transactions.
Outside Interests
Enjoy a variety of creative and recreational pursuits including cooking, gardening, reading, photography, DIY projects, jigsaws and gym. Passionate about outdoor activities such as tennis, snorkeling, SUP, camping, bushwalking and spending quality time with family and friends. Actively social and community-minded, with interests that balance creativity, exploration, and personal well-being.
Testimonials
- I had the pleasure of working with Lisa during the process of purchasing a childcare business. She guided me through every step with professionalism and clarity, ensuring that I always felt well-informed and supported. Her excellent communication skills and deep understanding of the industry made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend her services to anyone considering buying or selling a childcare business., Emil
- Selling my childcare business with Lisa has been an incredibly positive experience. She took the time to explain each stage clearly, kept me updated throughout, and made sure I always felt supported. Her knowledge of the sector and her personable, professional manner gave me complete confidence. I’d gladly recommend Lisa to anyone looking to sell or buy in this industry., John
Accreditations
- White Card
- EstateMaster Development Feasibility
- Registered Justice of the Peace
- Kaplan Statement of Attainment for: Communication with clients as part of agency operations
- Identify legal and ethical requirements of property management to complete agency work
- Identify legal and ethical requirements of property sales to complete agency work
- Work in the real estate industry
Project Outcomes
- Liverpool | Northern Beaches, Secured listings of childcare businesses and tenants, negotiated sale terms, and managed due diligence and external stakeholder engagement through to service approval transfer and successful settlement.
- Gosford, Acted as intermediary between business seller and buyer, successfully facilitating agreement despite challenging relations.
- Central Coast, Successfully brokered agreement for sale of a childcare business at a record price.
- West Gosford, Contributed to post-acquisition planning and design, ensuring smooth project transition prior to handover to JV partner.
- Googong, Secured corporate childcare provider and drove design and planning, successfully negotiating AFL and lease through to board approval and execution.
- Loxford, Delivered a new childcare project by sourcing provider, overseeing design and planning, and achieving AFL approval with the board.
- Toronto, Strengthened retail mix by coordinating tenant vetting, lease negotiations, and execution of multiple retail tenancy agreements.
- Tighes Hill, Supported major retail growth through sourcing, design, planning, and negotiation of large-format retail leases.
- Erina, Negotiated exit strategy and multi-tenant deal to deliver consolidated office space, enabling expansion for a key corporate client.
- Thornton, Secured and negotiated industrial land purchase for childcare use; sourced provider, negotiated AFL and lease, partnered with REIT buyer, and oversaw DA planning through to successful construction and completion.
- Blacktown, Acquired three residential sites for childcare conversion, negotiated purchase and lease terms, and managed design and DA preparation through to completion.
- Goulburn, Established JV partnership on 2.8ha commercial site through direct landowner engagement, enabling proposed mixed-use development of fuel, food, and large-format retail.
- Bomaderry, Secured two R2 blocks for childcare development, negotiated provider agreements, and advanced DA submission through design and planning management.
- Parkes, Enhanced project value by driving marketing strategy, design input, and tenant sourcing for both sale and lease.
Timeline
Childcare Business Sales & Development Representative
Childcare Concepts
04.2024 - Current
Development Manager
Stevens Group
01.2021 - 02.2024
PA/Assistant to Property Group Director and In-House Solicitor
Stevens Group
01.2020 - 01.2021
Development Specialist
Oliver’s Real Food
03.2018 - 05.2019
Office Manager
Hurst Homes Wagga Wagga
02.2015 - 10.2016
Property Manager
Knight Frank Wagga Wagga
02.2013 - 07.2013
Retail Lease Administrator
AMP Capital
03.2008 - 02.2012
Senior Paralegal
Carroll & O’Dea Solicitors
06.1998 - 12.2004
Senior Paralegal / Legal Secretary
01.1990 - 01.1998