Real Estate Strategy Lead

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Real Estate Strategy Lead is responsible for defining the enterprise-wide real estate strategy and optimizing the global portfolio to support business growth, financial performance, and employee experience. This role establishes the strategic framework, governance, and decision-making processes that guide all major real estate investments, footprint decisions, and capital allocation.

As a key leader within the Global Real Estate Center of Excellence (CoE), this role translates business priorities into actionable portfolio strategies, leveraging data, market intelligence, and scenario modeling. The position partners closely with executive leadership to drive informed, forward-looking decisions on where and how the company invests in real estate globally.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Global Real Estate Strategy

• Define and lead the global real estate strategy, including short- and long-term portfolio planning aligned with business, financial, and ESG objectives.
• Establish guiding principles for footprint optimization, growth, consolidation, and hybrid work strategies.
• Translate enterprise priorities into clear real estate strategies and execution frameworks.

Portfolio Planning & Optimization

• Lead global portfolio planning, including site strategy, consolidation, expansion, and rationalization.
• Develop multi-year portfolio roadmaps aligned with business growth, cost targets, and workforce trends.
• Optimize portfolio performance across cost, utilization, risk, and sustainability metrics.

Demand Planning & Workforce Alignment

• Partner with HR, Finance, IT, and business leaders to forecast workforce and space demand.
• Develop standardized demand planning models (headcount projections, space ratios, capacity thresholds).
• Align portfolio decisions with evolving workforce strategies, including hybrid and flexible work models.

Governance, Prioritization & Executive Alignment

• Establish governance frameworks for major real estate decisions, including approval processes, steering committees, and investment prioritization.
• Develop standardized business case templates, ROI models, and risk assessments.
• Partner with executive leadership to align on key decisions, including site openings, closures, and capital investments.

Market Intelligence & External Benchmarking

• Monitor global real estate market trends, including labor markets, economic indicators, and geopolitical risks.
• Maintain relationships with brokers, consultants, and industry partners to inform strategy.
• Benchmark portfolio performance against industry peers across cost, utilization, and sustainability metrics.

Scenario Modeling & Decision Support

• Lead advanced analytics and scenario modeling to support:
  • Site selection and location strategy
  • Market entry/exit decisions
  • Lease vs. own analysis
  • Portfolio risk management
• Utilize data tools, financial models, and workforce analytics to drive decision-making.

Standards, Policies & Strategic Frameworks

• Define global policies and frameworks, including:
  • Location and footprint strategy
  • Lease governance and approval thresholds
  • Capital allocation guidelines
  • Portfolio risk management standards
• Ensure consistency and alignment across regions.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner with Design, Construction, Workplace, Sustainability, and FM CoEs to ensure strategy is translated into execution.
• Provide upstream strategic direction to guide design, construction, and operational decisions.
• Ensure alignment with ESG, workplace experience, and operational performance goals.

Innovation & Strategic Transformation

• Identify and evaluate new approaches, technologies, and trends impacting real estate strategy (e.g., utilization analytics, flexible space models).
• Lead pilots and implementation of innovative portfolio strategies.
• Drive continuous evolution of the real estate strategy based on market and internal insights.

Executive Communication & Storytelling

• Develop clear, compelling narratives, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership.
• Communicate portfolio performance, strategic recommendations, and risks.
• Ensure alignment and understanding of real estate strategy across the organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Little to no travel is expected for this position.

SUPERVISION:

• Leads a small team and/or matrix network focused on strategy, analytics, and portfolio planning.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, or related field required.
• MBA or Master’s degree in Real Estate or Finance strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., RICS, CFA, CCIM) preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• 12–15+ years of experience in corporate real estate, strategy, portfolio planning, or related fields in global organizations.
• Proven experience developing and executing enterprise-level real estate strategies and portfolio optimization initiatives.
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, capital allocation, and investment analysis.
• Experience with demand planning, workforce analytics, and space strategy.
• Deep understanding of global real estate markets and portfolio dynamics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Excellent executive communication and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to operate in a highly matrixed, global environment.
• Strong business acumen, with understanding of how real estate impacts financial performance and growth.

If your location allows for pay/benefit transparency, please click the link below to request further information on this position.   Pay Transparency Request Form

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.

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Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.”