Head of Global Real Estate UK&I

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Global Real Estate for the UK & Ireland to strategically manage our diverse property portfolio. This pivotal role will be responsible for leading all aspects of real estate operations, ensuring our facilities are optimally managed, safe, and aligned with Bosch's global real estate strategy and local business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Real Estate & Portfolio Management:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive real estate strategy for the UK & Ireland, aligning with Bosch's global real estate guidelines and local business objectives.
• Conduct ongoing portfolio analysis, identifying opportunities for optimization, consolidation, expansion, and cost reduction.
• Lead future project planning around location strategy, including site selection, feasibility studies, and business case development for new acquisitions, disposals, and major refurbishments.
• Collaborate with business units to understand their space requirements, anticipating future needs and translating them into actionable real estate plans.
• Develop and manage the real estate budget for the UK & Ireland, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to financial targets.
• Oversee all real estate transactions, including leases, purchases, and sales, ensuring compliance with legal and corporate requirements.

2. Facilities Management & Vendor Oversight:

• Third-Party IFM Provider Management: Act as the primary point of contact and lead the relationship with the Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) provider(s) for the UK & Ireland.
• Ensure the IFM provider(s) consistently deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and compliant facilities services across all sites (e.g., maintenance, cleaning, security, catering, utilities, landscaping).
• Develop, negotiate, and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with IFM providers, conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
• Oversee contract management, ensuring all service contracts are robust, competitive, and meet Bosch's operational standards.
• Act as an escalation point for complex facilities issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to operations.
• Develop and implement strategies for energy efficiency and sustainability across the portfolio, in line with Bosch's environmental commitments.

3. Health & Safety (H&S) & Compliance:

• Champion a strong safety culture across all Bosch real estate assets in the UK & Ireland.
• Ensure full compliance with all relevant UK & Irish Health & Safety legislation, regulations, and Bosch's internal H&S policies.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of H&S policies, procedures, and risk assessments for all facilities.
• Collaborate closely with internal H&S teams and external advisors to identify and mitigate risks, conduct regular audits, and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.
• Manage incident reporting, investigation, and follow-up related to facilities and real estate.
• Ensure robust emergency preparedness and business continuity plans are in place for all sites.

4. Project Management & Delivery:

• Lead and oversee all real estate capital projects (e.g., renovations, fit-outs, new builds) from inception to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Manage relationships with external consultants, architects, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Implement project management best practices and ensure effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.

5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across all business units, understanding their diverse real estate needs.
• Collaborate effectively with global real estate counterparts to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and leverage best practices.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all real estate matters.
• Represent Bosch externally with landlords, developers, government bodies, and other relevant parties.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant professional qualification (e.g., MRICS, CFM) is highly desirable.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, cost control, and financial reporting for real estate portfolios.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Experience in a multinational corporate environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the UK & Ireland to various Bosch sites.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of sustainable building practices and certifications (e.g., BREEAM, LEED).

• Demonstrable experience in managing third-party Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) providers, including contract negotiation, performance management, and service delivery oversight.
• Deep understanding and practical application of UK & Irish Health & Safety legislation and best practices related to property and facilities management.
• Proven track record of strategic real estate planning, portfolio optimization, and successful project delivery (new builds, refurbishments, fit-outs).

Additional Information

• On offer is a competitive salary and pension contributions. With a great package of benefits including annual bonus, a health cash plan, life assurance and other discounted benefits.
• We will also provide many opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Office location: North Orbital Road, Denham, UB9 5HJ.
• This role requires frequent travel to other locations across the UK and Ireland
• Full time 37.5 hours
• This position has been internally evaluated as an SL2

We welcome applications from a range of candidates but please note that to apply for this position you must have the right to live and work in the UK from the start date of the role and for the duration of your employment.