Corporate - Admin Role

Job description

Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC) 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. Transaction & Governance Management • 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. Lease & Portfolio Management • 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. Financial Planning & Business Support • 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. Stakeholder Management • 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. Required Qualifications • 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. Required Skills • 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. Work Model • 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. Why Choose Cognizant 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