Corporate - Admin Role
Cognizant · Chennai · onsite · Posted 45d ago
Undisclosed10–14 yrsfulltimeSourced from
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About this role
Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC)
Job Summary
Job Summary
Cognizant is seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC) with 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Lease Administration, and Strategic Transactions. This leadership role will be responsible for driving end-to-end real estate transactions, portfolio optimization, lease governance, market intelligence, and strategic planning across India and APAC. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and cost-effective real estate solutions that support business objectives and long-term growth.
About Cognizant Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Through global expertise and local market knowledge, Cognizant enables clients to stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Key ResponsibilitiesReal Estate Strategy & Transactions - Act as the Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Strategy & Transactions focal point for India and APAC.
- Lead and manage all real estate transaction activities including new lease acquisitions, lease renewals, lease expiries, site exits, mid-cycle escalations, and associate lease actions.
- Evaluate market opportunities and develop executable real estate solutions for new space acquisitions.
- Develop short-term and long-term city-level real estate strategies aligned with business and workplace requirements.
- Conduct market intelligence assessments and rental benchmarking studies to support strategic decision-making.
- Drive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes in partnership with Procurement teams.
- Update and validate Statements of Requirements based on business demand and market conditions.
- Lead technical, commercial, financial, and legal due diligence activities in collaboration with Legal, IT, Security, HSE/EHS, and Workplace Services teams.
- Organize and manage transaction governance forums and approval processes.
- Prepare strategic recommendations and gain stakeholder alignment on shortlisted real estate solutions.
- Develop business cases and secure approvals through appropriate governance channels.
- Lead lease negotiations and facilitate execution readiness across all stakeholders.
- Execute agreements and obtain required sign-offs from business leadership.
- Ensure seamless transition and handover of completed transactions to Workplace Services and project delivery teams.
- Maintain and govern the India and APAC Real Estate Portfolio Tracker.
- Manage lease execution, registration, documentation, compliance, and archival activities.
- Lead operational lease discussions and negotiations with landlords and service providers.
- Support security deposit recovery, lease closures, and resolution of lease payment-related matters.
- Serve as a key source of lease-related information for FP&A, Lease Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Workplace Services teams.
- Support regional leadership with annual budget planning exercises and portfolio forecasts.
- Drive Operations & Maintenance budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Monitor portfolio performance and occupancy costs to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency.
- Ensure adherence to internal governance processes, lease obligations, and corporate policies.
- Partner with business leaders and functional teams to align real estate strategies with organizational objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, consultants, brokers, and service providers.
- Present strategic recommendations and portfolio insights to executive leadership and governance committees.
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Finance, Facility Management, or a related discipline.
- 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Lease Administration, Portfolio Management, Workplace Strategy, or related functions.
- Proven experience leading large-scale lease transactions, site acquisitions, renewals, consolidations, and exits.
- Demonstrated experience managing real estate portfolios across India and APAC.
- Strong understanding of commercial real estate markets, leasing structures, governance processes, and financial analysis.
- Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and influencing capabilities.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Advanced analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
- High attention to detail and organizational excellence.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
- Knowledge of program and project management tools.
- Financial modeling, budgeting, and business case preparation skills.
- Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Shift: Day Shift (India GMT +5:30)
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Travel: Willingness to travel across India and APAC based on business requirements.
At Cognizant, you will play a pivotal role in shaping workplace and real estate strategies across India and APAC. This position offers an opportunity to drive high-impact decisions, collaborate with global leadership teams, and contribute to creating efficient, sustainable, and future-ready workplace solutions that support organizational growth and transformation.
Sourced from naukri
Skills
interpersonal skillsworkplaceLease AdministrationGovernancePrioritizationProcessnegotiationLeasingReal EstatePortfolio ManagementCommunication Skillstime managementStakeholder ManagementCorporate Real Estatefinancial analysisCommercial Real Estate
About Cognizant
Cognizant
IT Services & Consulting
241.5k+
employees
1994
32 years old
Teaneck. New Jersey.
United States (USA)
About
A leader in IT services, providing insights that empower businesses to anticipate customer needs and adapt in a dynamic environment.
Industries
IT Services & ConsultingConsulting
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61,441 reviews
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Culture
3.5
Career growth
2.9
Work-life
3.6
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