Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC)

Job Summary

Cognizant is seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC) with 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Lease Administration, and Strategic Transactions. This leadership role will be responsible for driving end-to-end real estate transactions, portfolio optimization, lease governance, market intelligence, and strategic planning across India and APAC. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and cost-effective real estate solutions that support business objectives and long-term growth.

About Cognizant

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Through global expertise and local market knowledge, Cognizant enables clients to stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Transactions

• Act as the Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Strategy & Transactions focal point for India and APAC.
• Lead and manage all real estate transaction activities including new lease acquisitions, lease renewals, lease expiries, site exits, mid-cycle escalations, and associate lease actions.
• Evaluate market opportunities and develop executable real estate solutions for new space acquisitions.
• Develop short-term and long-term city-level real estate strategies aligned with business and workplace requirements.
• Conduct market intelligence assessments and rental benchmarking studies to support strategic decision-making.
  
  

Transaction & Governance Management

• Drive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes in partnership with Procurement teams.
• Update and validate Statements of Requirements based on business demand and market conditions.
• Lead technical, commercial, financial, and legal due diligence activities in collaboration with Legal, IT, Security, HSE/EHS, and Workplace Services teams.
• Organize and manage transaction governance forums and approval processes.
• Prepare strategic recommendations and gain stakeholder alignment on shortlisted real estate solutions.
• Develop business cases and secure approvals through appropriate governance channels.
• Lead lease negotiations and facilitate execution readiness across all stakeholders.
• Execute agreements and obtain required sign-offs from business leadership.
• Ensure seamless transition and handover of completed transactions to Workplace Services and project delivery teams.
  
  

Lease & Portfolio Management

• Maintain and govern the India and APAC Real Estate Portfolio Tracker.
• Manage lease execution, registration, documentation, compliance, and archival activities.
• Lead operational lease discussions and negotiations with landlords and service providers.
• Support security deposit recovery, lease closures, and resolution of lease payment-related matters.
• Serve as a key source of lease-related information for FP&A, Lease Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Workplace Services teams.
  
  

Financial Planning & Business Support

• Support regional leadership with annual budget planning exercises and portfolio forecasts.
• Drive Operations & Maintenance budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Monitor portfolio performance and occupancy costs to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to internal governance processes, lease obligations, and corporate policies.
  
  

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with business leaders and functional teams to align real estate strategies with organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, consultants, brokers, and service providers.
• Present strategic recommendations and portfolio insights to executive leadership and governance committees.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Finance, Facility Management, or a related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Lease Administration, Portfolio Management, Workplace Strategy, or related functions.
• Proven experience leading large-scale lease transactions, site acquisitions, renewals, consolidations, and exits.
• Demonstrated experience managing real estate portfolios across India and APAC.
• Strong understanding of commercial real estate markets, leasing structures, governance processes, and financial analysis.
• Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder environments.
  
  

Required Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing capabilities.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Advanced analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• High attention to detail and organizational excellence.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
• Knowledge of program and project management tools.
• Financial modeling, budgeting, and business case preparation skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  
  

Work Model

• Shift: Day Shift (India GMT +5:30)
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Travel: Willingness to travel across India and APAC based on business requirements.
  
  

Why Choose Cognizant

At Cognizant, you will play a pivotal role in shaping workplace and real estate strategies across India and APAC. This position offers an opportunity to drive high-impact decisions, collaborate with global leadership teams, and contribute to creating efficient, sustainable, and future-ready workplace solutions that support organizational growth and transformation.