Senior Manager – Real Estate (China Region)

Position Summary

The Senior Manager – Real Estate (China Region) is responsible for developing and executing the real estate strategy across a ~1.3M SF portfolio (office, manufacturing, and support facilities). This role partners closely with regional business leaders, Finance, and Global Real Estate to align real estate decisions with business growth, cost optimization, and operational performance.

Operating in a matrixed environment, this role reports functionally into Global Real Estate and regionally into the China CFO. The position does not hold direct financial authority but is accountable for developing robust business cases, influencing senior leadership, and driving execution from strategy through transaction close and lease administration.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Portfolio Optimization

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive real estate strategy for China by business unit and individual site.
• Lead portfolio planning efforts to optimize footprint, cost structure, and utilization.
• Align real estate strategy with growth, capacity, and operational requirements.

• Identify consolidation, expansion, relocation, or exit opportunities.

   

1. Business Case Development & Governance

• Develop data-driven business cases including financial modeling and risk analysis.
• Present recommendations to senior leadership for approvals.

• Ensure alignment with governance and financial controls.

   

1. Transaction Management & Execution

• Translate strategies into execution plans with timelines and negotiation objectives.
• Lead or support lease negotiations, renewals, and acquisitions.
• Manage brokers and external partners.

• Ensure leases are executed 9+ months prior to expiration.

   

1. Project Delivery & Coordination

• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders for project delivery.
• Ensure seamless transition from transaction to occupancy.
• Support manufacturing expansion initiatives.

 

1. Cost Optimization & Performance

• Drive savings across rent, FM, and energy.
• Monitor market conditions and accelerate transactions when advantageous.
• Support Total Cost of Occupancy insights.

 

1. Lease Administration & Compliance

• Ensure accurate lease administration and compliance.
• Utilize systems such as Visual Lease.
• Maintain internal controls and regulatory compliance.

Key Performance Indicators

• Real Estate Strategic Planning Sessions 
• Lease execution timing vs Lease Expiration
• Negotiated Rents vs Market
• Cost savings Metrics
• Timeliness of execution (deliver as planned)

Qualifications

Experience

• 8–12+ years in corporate real estate or transactions
• Experience in lease negotiations and portfolio strategy
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Skills

• Strong financial acumen
• Stakeholder influence without authority
• Knowledge of China real estate market
• Strong communication and project management
• Fluent in Mandarin and English

Leadership Profile

• Strategic and execution-focused
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented
• Comfortable with ambiguity