Who are we? Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.
Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.
People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
What is the role?
We are seeking a Group Head of Corporate Real Estate (CRES) to oversee a global portfolio of over 700 offices. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for an innovative leader to create a purpose-built global CRES strategy for the Howden Group. We need a transformational professional who excels in CRES operational excellence, digital innovation, and data intelligence. You will redefine our approach to serving the business, enhancing both colleague and customer experiences, and delivering measurable value at scale.
What will you be doing?
Real Estate Strategy & Leadership
Develop, execute and refine a robust global real estate strategy aligned with Group objectives.
Define and implement a Target Operating Model to deliver the group real estate strategy including facilities management, using best practice processes and technology.
Represent Howden at a senior level with suppliers, partners, senior stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Work with senior business leaders to identify commercial and operational risks and property consolidation opportunities across the group.
Recruit, train, develop and inspire a team of real estate professionals so that they have a real sense of ownership and empowerment to deliver Group real estate goals.
Property / Facilities Management
Responsible for the full lifecycle management of buildings from feasibility and acquisition through to disposal
Accountable for sourcing, negotiation and managing a global property management service ensuring delivery of high-quality services
Deliver a global lease management program ensuring all lease events are well managed whilst looking for appropriate property consolidation and cost reduction opportunities
Oversee regular supplier evaluations to assess performance and resolve issues.
Work closely with business teams during periods of M&A to identify needs and align strategies accordingly.
Support office moves and fit outs in line with local business needs
Digital Enablement & Automation
Spearhead the adoption of relevant enabling technologies to improve process speed, accuracy, and client and user experience in delivering CRES services and managing risks.
Partner with IT and transformation teams to create an integrated fit-for-purpose digital services ecosystem for all relevant CRES service touch points.
Identify and scale automation opportunities to reduce repetitive effort, improve service resilience, and free up capacity for higher-value work.
Drive standardisation and simplification of global processes using industry best practice methodologies and Design Thinking.
Talent Leadership & Organisational Growth
Lead and develop high-performing global teams, balancing operational excellence with innovation and experimentation.
Foster a culture of empowerment, inclusion, and accountability, where ideas are encouraged, and outcomes are shared.
Lead, inspire, and grow a diverse team of global CRES professionals, including regional leads
Cultivate a high-performance, agile, and psychologically safe team culture that thrives on accountability, innovation, and mutual respect.
Risk Management & Governance
Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive governance framework, including policies, procedures and standards ensuring compliance with local H&S, legislative and regulatory requirements
Introduce robust metrics to track and report performance against defined service levels and to drive continuous improvement.
Collaboration and Stakeholder management
Collaborate with senior leadership to assess and forecast real estate requirements and implement the necessary resources.
Work with Group Finance teams to ensure transparency and visibility of group property spend
Work with Group Procurement to ensure we have a robust network of suppliers and contractors to support delivery of our global property strategy
Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities
Meet all competency requirements by undertaking training and following agreed principles, policies, processes and procedures
Identify and refer any actual or potential conflicts of interest
Identify and refer any breaches, potential risks or non-compliance to line management
Evidence that in all aspects of the business process priority is placed on treating customers fairly
What are we looking for?
Exemplary leadership with an open, supportive, and empowering management style.
Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making
Ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment managing competing priorities and deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent knowledge and experience of property / facilities management at a senior level
Proven track record of global real estate H&S, facilities management, governance and compliance
Minimum of 10 years of experience in global real estate, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Strong technical and finance acumen
Educated to degree level or equivalent through relevant experience
What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond
Reasonable adjustments We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.
If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.
Permanent
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