Regional Head of Real Estate

Regional Head of Real Estate Transaction Management

Gauteng

South Africa

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 support predominantly corporate clients who buy services on a contracted basis all across the Middle East and Africa - even globally, depending on their portfolio.

Our client is a rapidly expanding Christian church group with a large and diverse property portfolio across Africa. We are seeking an experienced Head of Real Estate to lead our clients regional real estate expansion, ensuring the strategic and efficient management of acquisitions, disposals, leases, and overall asset management.

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.

About The Role

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.

The above will be achieved through an understanding of how the clients values may influence and impact real estate decisions, ensuring that our approach effectively supports our clients unique real estate needs.

What You Will Bring

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

What You Will Be Doing

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 clients 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 clients 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.

If you are an experienced real estate professional with a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a passion for driving successful property decisions, we want to hear from you. As the Head of Real Estate, you will manage and expand a growing portfolio of owned and leased properties, leading a talented team while ensuring all transactions align with our company and client values.