Executive: Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Portfolio Management

Job Summary

• Enterprise-wide Real Estate Portfolio Strategy

• Portfolio Optimisation and footprint plans

• Investment business cases and decision papers

• Market entry/exit strategies

• Portfolio performance reports and dashboards

• Scenario models and long-range plans

• Portfolio Strategy & Optimisation

• Develop and maintain a long-term real estate portfolio strategy aligned to enterprise objectives.

• Lead portfolio Optimisation and rightsizing initiatives, ensuring efficient space utilisation and cost effectiveness.

• Define portfolio frameworks (core vs flex, owned vs leased, location strategy).

• Conduct scenario modelling to support future-state portfolio design.

• Establish and govern buy, hold, sell, and lease strategies.

• Evaluate and recommend real estate investment opportunities, including acquisitions, disposals, and lease structures.

• Lead capital allocation decisions across the portfolio.

• Ensure investment decisions align with financial return targets (e.g., ROI, IRR, NPV) and strategic priorities.

• Define market entry and exit strategies across geographies.

• Monitor macroeconomic, property market, and workplace trends to inform decisions.

• Identify optimal locations based on:

• Talent availability

• Cost structures
• Business growth priorities
• Regulatory and risk considerations

• Set lease negotiation strategies and principles (delegated to transaction teams for execution).

• Provide strategic direction on lease structures (term, flexibility, risk positioning).

• Review and approve major transactions and commitments.

• Own and oversee portfolio-level financial performance.

• Establish financial benchmarks and KPIs for the real estate portfolio.

• Track and optimise:

• Occupancy costs

• Capital deployment
• Portfolio returns
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning.

• Establish governance processes for real estate investment decisions.

• Chair or contribute to investment committees.

• Ensure decisions are supported by robust business cases, analytics, and risk assessments.

• Leverage data and analytics to inform strategic decisions.

• Implement tools for:

• Portfolio modelling

• Scenario planning
• Performance tracking
• Translate complex data into actionable insights for executive stakeholders.

• Partner with Group Executives, Managing Executives and Country Leadership to align real estate strategy with business needs.

• Act as a strategic advisor on workplace and portfolio implications.

• Influence enterprise decisions related to growth, restructuring, and transformation.

• Manage the relationships with Real Estate Partners e.g. Growthpoint, Redefine, Broll etc.

• Lead a team of portfolio strategists and analysts (where applicable).

• Manage the outsourced service provider(s) relating to Real Estate Transactions and Strategy

• Define clear interfaces with:

• Transaction Management

• Facilities Management
• Project and/or Construction teams
• Engineering Management
• Ensure alignment across the Corporate Real Estate value chain.

• Appropriate Degree/Qualification Post-graduate degree in Real Estate, Finance, Economics, Construction or related field

• Post Graduate Degree (MBA advantageous e.g. MBAs)

• 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

• 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

• 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

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