Executive: Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Portfolio Management

Absa is seeking a strategic and experienced professional to lead its corporate real estate portfolio at an executive level. This pivotal role involves defining and executing a long-term strategy for the organisation's extensive property holdings, ensuring that every real estate investment and decision directly supports Absa's overarching business objectives. The successful candidate will be instrumental in optimising the current portfolio, identifying new opportunities, and effectively managing risks associated with real estate assets.

About the Role

This executive position is designed for an individual with a deep understanding of corporate real estate strategy and a proven ability to make data-driven investment decisions. The core responsibility is to shape the future of Absa's real estate footprint. This includes analysing market trends, financial performance, and operational needs to guide decisions on where, when, and why the organisation should invest in property. The role requires a forward-thinking approach, balancing immediate operational demands with long-term strategic growth aspirations.

A significant aspect of the position involves optimising the existing portfolio. This could entail rightsizing office spaces, assessing the cost-effectiveness of owned versus leased properties, and defining strategic location frameworks. The executive will also be responsible for developing robust scenario models to anticipate future needs and market shifts, ensuring Absa's real estate strategy remains agile and resilient. Furthermore, the role demands oversight of the financial health of the portfolio, establishing benchmarks, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and collaborating closely with the Finance department on budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation.

The responsibilities of this executive role are broad and strategic, encompassing several key areas:

• **Develop and maintain a comprehensive enterprise-wide real estate portfolio strategy.** This involves aligning property decisions with organisational goals, leading optimisation initiatives, and ensuring efficient space utilisation.
• **Drive investment strategy and decision-making.** This includes establishing buy, hold, sell, and lease strategies, evaluating acquisition and disposal opportunities, and ensuring capital allocation aligns with financial return targets such as ROI, IRR, and NPV.
• **Define market and location strategies.** This requires monitoring economic, property, and workplace trends to inform decisions about entering or exiting specific markets, identifying optimal locations based on talent availability, cost structures, and business growth priorities.
• **Provide strategic oversight of lease and transaction management.** While day-to-day execution may be delegated, the executive will set negotiation principles and review major transactions and commitments.
• **Oversee the portfolio's financial performance.** This involves tracking occupancy costs, capital deployment, and portfolio returns, partnering with Finance for effective financial planning.
• **Establish and govern decision-making frameworks.** This includes setting up processes for real estate investment approvals, potentially chairing investment committees, and ensuring decisions are backed by strong analytics and risk assessments.
• **Leverage data and analytics for strategic insights.** The executive will implement tools for portfolio modelling, scenario planning, and performance tracking, translating complex data into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.
• **Engage with key stakeholders.** This involves partnering with Group Executives, Managing Executives, and Country Leadership to ensure real estate strategy meets business needs and acting as a strategic advisor on workplace and portfolio implications.
• **Lead and align teams.** This may involve managing a team of portfolio strategists and analysts, and ensuring seamless collaboration across different corporate real estate functions like facilities management and project management.

What They're Looking For

Absa is seeking a candidate with a significant track record in corporate real estate, likely with over 10 years of experience. A strong foundation in portfolio planning and investment decision-making is essential. Experience with large, multi-site, or global portfolios would be highly advantageous.

Academically, a relevant degree is required, with a preference for post-graduate qualifications in fields such as Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or Construction. An MBA would be considered a strong asset.

Key skills and competencies include:

• **Strategic thinking and long-term planning:** The ability to anticipate future needs and develop robust strategies.
• **Commercial and financial acumen:** A deep understanding of financial metrics, investment analysis (NPV, IRR, DCF), and market dynamics.
• **Investment analysis and modelling:** Proficiency in evaluating real estate opportunities and constructing financial models.
• **Market analysis and site selection:** The ability to identify optimal locations based on various business drivers.
• **Lease structuring and negotiation principles:** Strategic oversight of lease agreements.
• **Portfolio analytics and data-driven decision-making:** A strong reliance on data to inform strategy and performance.
• **Influencing and stakeholder management:** The capacity to engage effectively with executive-level stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• **Decision-making under uncertainty:** Comfort in making critical choices with incomplete information.
• **Communication:** Excellent storytelling abilities, particularly in translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for executive audiences.

In South Africa, executive roles in corporate real estate strategy and portfolio management are typically found within large financial institutions, major corporations, and property investment firms. Such positions command significant remuneration, reflecting the strategic importance and financial responsibility involved. The career path often involves progression from roles in property finance, investment analysis, or portfolio management, leading to broader strategic leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Appropriate Degree/Qualification Post-graduate degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Construction or related field
• Post Graduate Degree (MBA advantageous e.g. MBAs)

Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in Corporate Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, or Portfolio Strategy

• Proven track record in portfolio planning and investment decision-making

• Experience in large, multi-site or global portfolios preferred preferred

Skills

• Real estate portfolio strategy and Optimisation

• Investment analysis (NPV, IRR, discounted cash flow)

• Market analysis and site selection

• Lease structuring and financial modelling

• Portfolio analytics and data-driven decision-making

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and long-term planning

• Commercial and financial acumen

• Influencing and stakeholder management at executive level

• Decision-making under uncertainty

• Strong communication and storytelling with data

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised