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.

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