Director - Occupier Strategy

ABOUT THE JOB

Play a key role within the Occupier Solutions team, leading advice to corporate occupiers on the optimisation, transformation and management of their real estate portfolios. Combine transaction management, strategic advisory and analytical options appraisal to help clients make evidence-based property decisions that support operational, financial and business objectives. Translate business and workplace requirements into clear recommendations and deliverable portfolio plans that optimise cost, flexibility and operational effectiveness. Lead senior client stakeholder engagement and oversee, and where appropriate execute, acquisitions, regears, disposals (freehold & leasehold) and surrenders in support of the agreed strategy, working with estates management and specialist teams to address statutory and leasehold compliance and maintain supporting records.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Develop and deliver occupier portfolio strategies aligned with clients’ business priorities, workplace requirements and operational needs.

•    Lead portfolio analysis and prepare options appraisals and real estate strategy recommendations, using property, lease, cost and utilisation data to assess stay-versus-go, consolidation, relocation, retention and exit opportunities; provide timely, accurate reports covering recommendations, budgets, lease events, compliance risks and work in progress.

•    Engage senior client stakeholders to understand changing business requirements, present strategic recommendations and provide regular verbal and written updates on decisions, delivery progress and outcomes.

•    Coordinate specialist advisers and subcontractors to deliver agreed occupier strategies, ensuring adherence to all BNPPRE and client policies and processes.

•    Lead business development and request for proposal (RFP) activities, including proposals and pitches; promote and develop the Occupier Strategy and corporate real estate offering within the wider BNP Paribas business, identifying opportunities to grow existing client relationships and win new mandates.

•    Provide accurate management information to the Senior Management team as required 

•    Contribute directly towards improving the team’s profitability

•    Develop the skills and potential of the team

•    Build effective working relationships across BNP Paribas Real Estate to integrate strategy, transactions, estates management and other specialist advice into a coordinated occupier service.

•    Manage fee negotiations, billing and actively manage debtors

•    Bill regularly and collect fees as quickly as possible 

•    Assist with the accurate forecast of fees when required to do so by the Account Director.  

•    Assist the Account Director in the development of initiatives to improve profitability

•    Use portfolio management systems, including TRAMPS and Horizon, to interpret property and lease data and support evidence-based strategic recommendations.

•    Deliver high-quality strategic advice, using financial analysis and modelling to develop clear business cases that compare costs, risks, benefits and implementation considerations; produce strategy papers, board papers, transaction trackers and presentations to support client decisions.

•    Manage portfolio change effectively, translating agreed strategies into phased implementation plans that support client objectives and improve service quality and profitability.

•    Improve systems and processes - be innovative and creative and encourage this in others

•    Work with the Account Director to lead regular client reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews, monitor business developments and review portfolio strategy, delivery priorities and progress against agreed objectives.

•    Lead delivery of occupier-focused instructions including acquisitions, disposals, lease events, regears, surrenders, stay-versus-go reviews, relocations and portfolio rationalisation projects, ensuring execution remains aligned with the agreed occupier strategy. Manage transactions from brief through to completion, including market searches, inspections, financial analysis, negotiations and heads of terms.

PROFILE & SKILLS

Qualifications

•    Degree in real estate, surveying, property, finance, business or a related field.

•    MRICS qualified (preferred).

Required experience and skills

•    Solid commercial real estate advisory experience, with a demonstrable record of delivering occupier strategy and corporate real estate advice. Strong transaction management capability and knowledge of UK occupational markets, lease structures and negotiations, supported by an understanding of estates management and lease events. Advanced financial analysis and modelling skills, with experience translating business requirements into portfolio plans, options appraisals and commercially robust strategy recommendations.

•    Strong report writing and stakeholder management skills, with experience preparing strategy and board papers and presenting data-led strategic advice to senior clients. Previous experience and substantial evidence of enhancing client service and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to implement agreed occupier solutions.

Personal attributes

•    Client focused and commercially astute

•    Analytical and evidence-led

•    Organised and proactive

•    Collaborative and adaptable

•    Credible and persuasive communicator

WHY JOIN BNP PARIBAS REAL ESTATE?

Join BNP Paribas Real Estate to become part of a leading international property business where you can work on prestigious assets, collaborate with experienced professionals and make a visible impact. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of technical services, strengthen client and occupier relationships, support sustainability ambitions and contribute to best-in-class building performance. You will be supported to develop your expertise while working in an inclusive, collaborative environment that values high standards, fresh thinking and long-term career growth.

We are proud to offer award-winning benefits to support and reward our employees:

BNP Paribas Real Estate is committed to providing a work environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunity without regard to race, colour, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.