Who we are

We are the market leader in commercial real estate services and investments and provide an integrated suite of high-quality real estate services to our clients across Africa and the Middle East, including facilities management, advisory & transaction services, project management.

We work closely with a diverse range of corporate clients, providing tailored solutions that support their global operations and real estate portfolios. One of our key partnerships involves working with a leading global foundation committed to addressing some of the world’s most pressing health, development, and education challenges. Through our collaboration, we help ensure their real estate needs are met with the highest standards of service.

Why choose us

Imagine more than just the future of work; with CBRE Excellerate, you can create it. As part of our global powerhouse, you'll find a culture that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, where your best work is not just encouraged but celebrated. Collaborate with talented individuals, harness the support of unparalleled resources, and enjoy the journey as you grow both personally and professionally.

Job Summary

The Head of Real Estate will lead a team of professionals managing the expansion of a complex and growing portfolio of owned and leased properties. Acting as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for real estate transactions in the region, the role requires strategic leadership, financial oversight, and collaboration with key stakeholders to drive optimal property decisions. With the client being a religious organization, the job will require a high level of honesty and integrity. A willingness to understand the fundamentals of the faith and how that impacts real estate decisions will be important to creating successful outcomes for the client.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Transaction Management

• Act as the primary Single Point of Contact for all real estate transaction management activities across the regional portfolio.
• Lead and refine the end-to-end delivery of the real estate transaction model in line with organizational goals.
• Ensure all real estate transactions adhere to client’s group standards & procedures while optimizing outcomes.
• Oversee strategic portfolio expansion through acquisitions of land, existing buildings, redevelopment opportunities and leases
• Oversee disposals, renewals and closures.
• Provide leadership on major real estate transactions, ensuring alignment with long-term property strategies.

Operational & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a regional team of asset and transaction management professionals.
• Oversee cross-country initiatives, ensuring consistency in execution across diverse markets while respecting cultural considerations.
• Establish and manage strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, Project Management and Operations teams.
• Drive staff deployment, performance management, and professional development in collaboration with HR and Finance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews between the client’s property function and the real estate team.

Financial & Risk Management

• Hold overall budgetary responsibility for the Account.
• Manage financial oversight, including staff financials and cost control in collaboration with Finance.
• Ensure adherence to risk management policies and drive corrective actions where needed.
• Provide financial analysis, due diligence, and contract negotiation support.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Be able to lead and inspire teams in a faith-based environment, ensuring all transactions reflect principles of honesty and integrity.
• Exhibit high ethical standards in decision-making, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align real estate decisions with organizational goals.
• Expertise in real estate acquisitions, leasing, and asset management.
• Ability to motivate and lead teams, driving performance and accountability.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, P&L management, and cost optimization.
• Excellent client relationship management and ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to multi-task and operate across different cultural and regional contexts.
• High level of organizational and prioritization skills to manage a complex workload.
• Deep understanding of real estate risk management and compliance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Managerial responsibility for the regional Asset & Transaction Management team.
• Identifying training needs, performance evaluation, and professional development initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Business, Finance, or related fields.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in real estate transaction and asset management, with multinational clients.
• Experience in account and client management, with strong commercial acumen.
• Professional certifications (e.g., RICS) or equivalent real estate qualifications preferred.

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to manage complex transactions.
• Ability to operate in high-pressure environments and make strategic decisions.
• Experience in partner/vendor management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with technology-driven solutions for real estate management.
• Fluency in English (French proficiency is an advantage).

 
CBRE Excellerate is committed to striving for diversity and equitable representation in our workforce. Preference may thus be given to suitably qualified candidates as identified in our employment equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.