Senior Director - Real Estate

Job Purpose

The Real Estate Senior Director is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the company's real estate strategy to drive significant business growth. This role involves leading high-stakes site acquisitions, strategic leasing negotiations, and overseeing the development of new projects. The Senior Director will collaborate with executive teams and external partners to ensure that the real estate portfolio is optimized to support the company's ambitious expansion plans, while aligning with long-term business objectives.

Scope

Responsible for 10 markets in the MENA region.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision & Leadership: Develop and lead the company’s real estate strategy, ensuring that it is fully integrated with the broader business goals. This includes identifying high-potential sites, negotiating leases, and overseeing development projects to facilitate the company’s expansion.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with senior executives and key stakeholders across the organization to align real estate initiatives with the company’s strategic objectives. Ensure cross-functional collaboration to meet and exceed new location opening targets.
• Financial Oversight & KPI Management: Establish and manage comprehensive real estate budgets, and set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive accountability. Ensure all real estate projects deliver on financial and operational targets, optimizing return on investment.
• Project Leadership: Lead the execution of complex real estate projects, from site selection and feasibility studies to lease negotiations and final approvals. Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with the company’s growth strategy.
• Advanced Performance Monitoring: Implement sophisticated tracking and reporting mechanisms to measure real estate performance against strategic goals. Continuously monitor actual versus forecasted performance, making strategic adjustments as needed to meet the company’s financial objectives.
• High-Level Communication & Coordination: Provide regular updates to the executive team on real estate progress, risks, and opportunities. Ensure effective communication across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Succession Planning & Talent Development: Lead the development of a robust succession planning process for critical real estate roles. Mentor and coach senior real estate professionals, ensuring that the team is equipped to meet the company’s future growth needs.
• Governance & Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of compliance and ethical behavior in all real estate activities. Ensure that all processes, from site acquisition to lease management, adhere to internal policies and industry regulations.
• Resource Optimization: Strategically plan and manage the allocation of resources across the real estate function. Ensure that all projects are executed efficiently, with a focus on maximizing value within budget constraints.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, engineering, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in real estate, with substantial experience in leadership roles within F&B or Retail industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading geographically dispersed teams and managing large-scale budgets.
• Significant experience in the MENA region is essential.

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of real estate market dynamics and strategic site development.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams, with exceptional coaching and mentoring skills.
• Advanced negotiation, strategic planning, and business acumen.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of delivering strategic solutions in complex environments.