Head of US Real Estate

About the role

Howden, a global insurance group, is seeking a Head of Real Estate – Americas, US-based, preferably on the East Coast with a hybrid schedule. The role leads Howden's Corporate Real Estate strategy across North and South America and acts as the senior regional representative, partnering with divisional leadership, finance, HR, IT, procurement and external providers. It sits in the Global Corporate Real Estate leadership team and reports directly to the Global Head of Corporate Real Estate.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the regional real estate strategy, set up partnerships with divisional leaders and drive standardisation of processes, governance and reporting
• Manage the Americas portfolio, including acquisitions, renewals, renegotiations, disposals and lease exits, and support business integrations and acquisitions
• Oversee capital projects, office openings, relocations and refurbishments, keeping them safe, on time and within budget
• Set up and run the facilities management operating model, including service performance measures and operational readiness of new offices
• Own regional operating and capital budgets, deliver forecasting, benchmarking and cost optimisation, and lead regional steering committees
• Manage brokerages, lease administrators, project managers and facilities management partners, including vendor performance reviews and contract management
• Promote data-led decision making and maintain executive dashboards on portfolio performance, occupancy and costs

Required profile

• Significant experience leading Corporate Real Estate across the Americas, with a track record of large, complex portfolios
• Experience in portfolio strategy, transactions, lease negotiations and workplace delivery, including major office projects and transformations
• Experience managing outsourced service providers and suppliers, and working in fast-paced, high-growth businesses
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, and strong financial and analytical capabilities
• Collaborative, credible leader able to build high-performing teams and operate in an entrepreneurial environment

What we offer

• Expected base salary of $165,000 - $185,000, depending on experience and location; the role is FLSA-exempt
• Discretionary bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, with healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible paid time off and paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance