Director of Corporate Real Estate

The Director of Corporate Real Estate is responsible for overseeing the company’s real estate portfolio as a strategic asset. Primary focus is leading the development, implementation, and management of real estate strategies that support company growth and competitive advantage. Activities include conducting market studies, overseeing acquisitions, disposals, leasing, related operating and capital expenditures and construction team. The role requires expertise in real estate portfolio management, strong leadership, strategic thinking, solution oriented, business acumen, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure that the company’s properties provide competitive advantage, are cost-effective, sustainable, and aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities:

Real Estate Management:

• Implement and maintain best practices in real estate management.
• Develop and implement comprehensive real estate strategies that align with the company's business goals and operational needs, serving as a thought leader and ensuring the portfolio is used effectively and cost-efficiently.
• Lead negotiations for new leases, lease renewals, and property acquisitions, ensuring favorable terms and conditions that benefit the company.
• Oversee the management of office spaces and other properties (terminals, warehouses, driver schools), ensuring optimal usage and cost management, while maintaining compliance with sustainability and safety standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal and Operations on strategic priorities and gaps, property utilization and other analysis.
• Serve as lead for M&A due diligence, integration and optimization of real estate and facilities of acquired companies.
• Work closely with HR, Facilities, Operations and Driver School leaders on real estate objectives, goals and to support site-level strategies (space layouts, office and property modifications, and any required expansions) for the future success of our associates, ensuring the spaces meet business/customer/student needs and employee well-being.
• Manage relationships with external partners, including architects, designers, and consultants, to deliver innovative and sustainable workplace solutions.
• Partner to develop and implement change management strategies to support the successful adoption of new workplace initiatives.
• Manage other external relationships and vendors, such as brokers and service providers related to real estate management, maintenance, and property development.
  
  

Budgeting & Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the real estate budget, ensuring the company’s portfolio and corresponding expenditures (operating and capital expenditures) stay within budget while achieving cost-saving goals.
• Develop, in collaboration with finance and outside advisors, financial modeling of real estate options, investments, ROI and decisions.
• Coordinate with Legal and Tax on 1031 exchanges, and other tax considerations surrounding real estate transactions.
  
  

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Monitor and mitigate risks related to real estate operations, including property ownership, lease negotiations, and vendor performance.
• Work collaboratively with legal on all real estate contracts and terms.
• Ensure compliance with local laws, industry regulations, and sustainability initiatives in real estate processes.
  
  

Reporting & Communication:

• Prepare and deliver reports to senior leadership on the performance of real estate portfolio, projects, key initiatives including cost analysis, market trends, and potential strategic opportunities or gaps, and related KPIs. Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, legal, operations, and other departments to ensure alignment with company goals.
  
  

Other Responsibilities:

This role could have an expanded scope, dependent on background and experience of candidates, to include other areas of responsibility, such as procurement and strategic sourcing. Those activities could include the following.

• Spend analytics, data mining and expense category management
• Develop analytical spending models to enhance decision-making.
• Identify and prioritize procurement categories with the greatest volume, opportunity, and strategic impact to drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead sourcing strategies for major procurement categories, including setting product specifications, conducting price benchmarking, and negotiating favorable terms.
• Optimize supplier relationships, reduce costs, and ensure diversity in the supply base, including incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives into procurement decisions and strategies.
• Effectively manage suppliers, leveraging performance data, KPIs, and vendor reviews to improve quality, service, and innovation.
• Standardize and optimize procurement processes, implement guidelines for purchasing decisions, RFQs, and contract management. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures and drive improvements in procurement efficiency.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5 years of experience in corporate real estate strategy and portfolio/property management, site selection, contract negotiation and project management for corporations of relevant scale.
• Track record of success in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of real estate laws, lease agreements, property management, and market analysis.
• Strong financial acumen, experience in financial modeling, analysis and managing complex budgets.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and present to executive leadership.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in real estate management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel as needed
• Candidates with combined experience and skill set in real estate and procurement/strategic sourcing is a plus
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) or Real Estate License.
• Experience in sustainability or green building initiatives.
• Advanced certifications such as MBA or PMP.
  
  

We know benefits are critical and we are committed to offering comprehensive and affordable options for you and your loved ones. This position is eligible for benefits, which include medical, dental and vision plans. We also offer a 401(k) plan with a company match, stock purchase plan, paid time off, life insurance, disability plans and other optional supplemental coverage.

Werner Enterprises provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information or veteran status or other status protected by law. We encourage applicants of all ages as we do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant's age.

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