Associate Director - Property Acquisition - Real Estate

Associate Director - Real Estate

Job Description & Qualifications

Department: Real Estate

Location: Mumbai, with travel across the assigned geography

Job Type: Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

Zepto is looking to hire an experienced Associate Director - Real Estate to lead property acquisition and real estate execution across the assigned network.

This role will be based in Mumbai and will require regular travel across the assigned geography.

The role is responsible for overseeing the timely completion of new lease transactions, including renewals, expansions, terminations, and reconfiguration of existing dark stores.

The role covers the end-to-end real estate process, including partnering with local management to define requirements; leading commercial and legal lease negotiations; coordinating on-site surveys; reviewing comparative financial analyses of lease transactions; and overseeing project execution. The primary objective is to secure adequate, cost-effective space for Zepto's storage and operational needs while meeting business timelines, market conditions, and budget requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead real estate planning and execution across the assigned network, aligning property requirements with Zepto's overall business strategy.

- Build and oversee a network of brokers, consultants, landlords, and contractors to deliver property requirements across relevant geographies.

- Guide the team in evaluating locations, negotiating lease terms, and completing transactions within agreed timelines and budgets.

- Maintain a strong understanding of real estate development requirements and applicable regulations across the assigned geography.

- Drive alignment with key stakeholders, including local and central Finance, Legal, Operations, Facilities, and Projects teams.

- Oversee landlord relationships, lease negotiations, contractor management, and the resolution or escalation of material issues.

- Oversee alterations and reconfiguration of existing sites, with a focus on optimizing fixed building-related costs.

- Monitor transaction progress, project delivery, budgets, and operational requirements; proactively address risks and execution delays.

QUALIFICATIONS

- MBA, Civil Engineering degree or diploma, Chartered Surveyor qualification, or RICS membership, with relevant real estate exposure.

- Strong experience in real estate management, lease negotiations, site selection, and property acquisition.

- Experience leading teams and managing brokers, vendors, landlords, consultants, and contractors.

- Strong project management, budgeting, financial analysis, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.

- Familiarity with real estate compliance, legal documentation, and applicable regulatory standards.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and senior stakeholder-management skills.

- Proficiency with relevant tools and software for project tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring.

- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, or a related field; experience in retail or e-commerce is a plus.