Manager, Real Estate Portfolio Strategy and Metro Planning (International) at American Express in London

Job description

Enterprise Shared Services (ESS) comprises key functions that are core to the company’s operations, including Global Real Estate & Workplace Experience, Global Supply Management, Business Resilience & Corporate Functions Governance, Aviation, Internal Fraud, and Global Security. ESS helps keep our company growing and puts our colleagues at the center of everything they do by delivering best-in-class services that power safe, resilient, and efficient operations around the world. Global Real Estate and Workplace Experience (GREWE) is responsible for the full lifecycle of planning, execution and operations of American Express real estate. The Portfolio Management function, including Metro Planning, Transaction Management and Lease Administration, is centrally led and provides services to and on behalf of the Regional Operations Leadership. The Manager, Real Estate Portfolio Strategy and Metro Planning (International) will report to the Director, Real Estate Portfolio Strategy and Metro Planning (International) and will play a key role in developing, maintaining and delivering strategic portfolio and metro plans across the International portfolio (APAC, India and EMEA). The role will combine portfolio strategy, financial and market analysis, stakeholder coordination and transaction planning to help ensure American Express has the right space, in the right places, at the right cost. The Manager will also support the Director in the governance and day-to-day coordination of the International transaction programme. The role will manage defined transactions and workstreams, partnering with external brokers, Legal, Finance, Operations, Design & Construction, Technology, Security and other stakeholders. Overall strategic accountability, senior-level escalation and oversight of the International Transaction Management programme will remain with the Director. Portfolio and Metro Planning (40%) Develop, maintain and coordinate strategic Metro Plans for major locations across the International portfolio, under the direction of the Director and in partnership with Regional Leadership and key business stakeholders. Gather, validate and analyse key planning inputs including headcount and seat demand/supply forecasts, occupancy and utilisation data, portfolio constraints, market intelligence, strategic options and relevant real estate cost metrics. Develop clear, evidence-based real estate options and recommendations, including financial cost-benefit analysis, to support portfolio and transaction decisions. Partner closely with Finance, Controllership, Operations, Design & Construction, Technology and other stakeholders to ensure assumptions, dependencies, risks and costs are appropriately reflected in strategic assessments. Coordinate portfolio and metro-planning inputs for the GREWE Long Range Plan and annual budget processes, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. Prepare high-quality materials for portfolio reviews and leadership discussions, and support the Director in socialising Metro Plans and long-range recommendations with senior stakeholders. Strategic Transaction Management and Governance (30%) Support the Director in managing the International transaction pipeline, maintaining clear visibility of key lease events, transaction milestones, dependencies, decisions and risks. Lead or coordinate defined transactions and workstreams from strategy through execution, within agreed governance and approval parameters, using contracted external brokers and legal counsel as appropriate. Monitor lease action dates and proactively coordinate with GREWE Business Partners, Regional Leadership and other stakeholders to evaluate potential real estate actions, including renewal, termination, expansion, contraction, acquisition and disposition. Undertake comparative qualitative and quantitative analysis of transaction alternatives and prepare recommendations for review by the Director and relevant leadership forums. Coordinate market searches, site