We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.
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Global Real Estate Manager, location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
At AkzoNobel, we've been supplying innovative paints and coatings that help color people's lives and protect what matters most for over 200 years. Our world-class portfolio of brands is trusted by customers around the globe. As we continue to transform the way we operate, we are looking for an experienced Global Real Estate Manager to join our Global Business Services (GBS) organization.
About the role
As Global Real Estate Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and optimizing AkzoNobel's global real estate portfolio. You will be responsible for developing and executing real estate strategies that support our business objectives while ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence.
Working as part of the Global Business Services Real Estate & Facilities Management organization, you will oversee a diverse international portfolio of more than 1,000 properties across 80+ countries, representing over one million square meters of real estate. You will lead strategic real estate initiatives, including portfolio optimization, office consolidations, property acquisitions and divestments, while collaborating with senior stakeholders across the business.
This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on project execution and offers the opportunity to influence AkzoNobel's global workplace footprint.
What you will do
You will lead complex real estate transactions and manage the company's global property portfolio to ensure it continues to support business growth and operational efficiency. A significant part of your role will involve driving real estate divestment projects, coordinating with business leaders, Finance, Legal, Tax, Environmental specialists and external advisors to successfully execute property sales and investments.
You will own the development and execution of country office plans, identifying opportunities to optimize space utilization, consolidate office locations and deliver sustainable cost savings. In addition, you will maintain oversight of AkzoNobel's global lease portfolio, ensuring alignment with business requirements, corporate standards and financial reporting obligations, including IFRS 16 compliance.
As the owner of global location and lease data, you will ensure the integrity and accuracy of real estate information, enabling reliable reporting and informed decision-making. You will also support the continuous development of global real estate standards and governance, helping drive consistency across regions.
Although this position has no direct reports, you will work closely with the Leasing Manager and manage relationships with external brokers, consultants, project managers and other third-party service providers to deliver successful outcomes.
What you will bring
You hold a Master's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline and have approximately 5-10 years of experience in corporate real estate, either within a multinational organization or a leading real estate advisory firm.
You have a proven track record of managing complex real estate transactions and international property portfolios, with experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across different countries and cultures. Experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment is highly valued.
You combine strong commercial awareness with excellent analytical capabilities and are comfortable interpreting financial data, developing business cases and presenting recommendations to senior leadership. You are confident managing external partners, including brokers, lawyers, environmental consultants and project managers, and know how to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
You are an independent, proactive professional who enjoys driving improvements and delivering results in a dynamic international environment. Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma would be considered an advantage.
Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are essential.
Why join AkzoNobel?
Joining AkzoNobel means becoming part of an international organization that is committed to innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement. You will have the opportunity to work on high-impact global projects, collaborate with colleagues across more than 80 countries and help shape the future of our workplace and real estate strategy.
We offer a collaborative working environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a truly global business.
Ready to paint the future with us? Apply today and become our next Global Real Estate Manager.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Requisition ID: 54923