Sr. Director, Global Real Estate

Biogen SANDBOX•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Global Business Services (GBS) and Business Optimization team is a newly formed organization established to transform Biogen’s business processes with a vision of “Lean and Simple” operations to fuel commercial growth and the innovation pipeline. GBS will provide value by developing and delivering a suite of business solutions and support services that are valued by internal business partners. GBS will deliver services by leveraging a global delivery model, operational transparency and metrics, leveraging global best practices, and a service-oriented process improvement culture. All solutions will be supported by strong business cases and ultimately monitored for the effectiveness and efficiency against benchmarks and service level agreements. The vision of GBS at Biogen is to be recognized as a world-class Global Business Services organization driven by the desire for excellence in its people, business solutions, execution and partnerships with internal business partners to develop “Lean and Simple” business solutions. We are developing a performance-based culture supported by tools, training, and well-defined accountability, where people can build their career or prepare for a role in the wider business or elsewhere within GBS. We seek individuals who can enhance our team with their knowledge, skills, innovation, collaboration and “can do” attitude. A global leadership opportunity to lead the evolution of our Global Real Estate and Facilities Services (non technical) by optimizing the portfolio globally, balancing the operational costs and portfolio against effective service delivery. The role will further partner cross functionally to ensure a tight integration of Real Estate, projects and facilities management services across the globe. This role is responsible for developing the Company’s Real Estate strategy in the short, medium and long term, aligned with the business priorities and in support of the Company’s vision. A primary focus of this role will be cost effectiveness of all Company Real Estate to achieve an optimal state of usage, safety, security, and compliance in a highly-regulated environment. The role is will oversee 4.3M Sq Ft. portfolio, covering over 44 locations worldwide. The successful candidate will lead, develop and execute strategies in support of the business, build and lead organizational capability, and implement efficient systems to achieve a best-in-class Real Estate & Facilities function (non technical) and cost profile in a Biotech environment The Head of Real Estate Services should be a visionary who can advise and the influence the senior team on best practices (policy, governance, strategic planning, operating models and processes etc). The ability to forge relationships, generate opportunities and drive new initiatives will be essential. This leader will build and lead a compact team to Biogen’s Real Estate portfolio globally across Europe, USA, Asia Pacific and LATAM.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a charismatic, collaborative leader who can articulate a vision, set direction and engage and motivate others to achieve outstanding results.
This individual must be able to engage and influence other fun

Responsibilities

With alignment from the Company’s Executive Team, define and execute the Real Estate services strategy, establish Long Range Plans, the budget and develop cost management initiatives.
Develop annual and multi-year strategic plans for the portfolio in conjunction with the Company’s Real Estate services providers and the local offices and to be incorporated with Company’s long-term business plan.
Working closely with Global Procurement, tactically review Real Estate conditions with suppliers and local functions.
Determine the appropriate real estate model and facilities service provision including lease vs. buy and captive vs. third party provision - e.g. Integrated Facilitates Management.
Develop and codify space use policies; and
Develop and maintain the firm’s lease database.
Management of the capital budget and execution of global facility design and constructions projects (excluding technical and Manufacturing sites) totaling +$40 M
Contribute to the development of Company’s business strategy and plan by: o Engaging with Real Estate stakeholders to clarify and prioritize Real Estate needs. o Working with the CFO and Head of Research and Development and Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology to define Real Estate’s vision, mission, and strategic business objectives aligned to the company’s strategy and cost goals. o Providing insight, direction and subject matter expertise for developing both short and long-term Real Estate initiatives that align with the corporation’s financial and strategic objectives. o Creating a financial model to evaluate and analyze the financial terms and risk assessment of a Real Estate transaction to the firm; and o Defining cost management objectives (cost improvement & cost containment)
Develop strategic direction to achieve Real Estate business objectives and long-term “improvement plan”. This includes establishing: o A culture of cross functional teams to focus on cost improvement initiatives o Resourcing strategies to source, develop and retain best talent. o Further innovative Real Estate methodologies; and o Drive continuous improvement of the Real Estate and Facilities functions.
Fulfill needs for space (acquisition, renewal, expansion, relocation, disposition, subleasing, etc.) through the identification of business needs
Coordinate with Facilities Management to optimize global facilities operations
Ensure there is a global, enterprise-wide view and understanding of the portfolio and manage accordingly.
Determine the potential value and impact of building a global Real Estate and facilities services organization (Center of Excellence).Provide education and guidance to employees on how to optimize Real Estate and facilities related costs. Develop and drive space management strategies and standards across the real estate portfolio
Establish and leverage benchmarking opportunities to identify future improvement possibilities.
Review of global Real Estate market trends for proactive cost reduction opportunities including renegotiating lease renewals, dispositions, rent reviews and subleasing transactions.
Establish global targets; deliver on targets across all geographies. o Establishing and tracking Key performance Indicators (KPI).
Manage Service Level Agreements between the Center of Expertise and business for partnerships they are accountable for.
Drive efficiency improvement for Real Estate transactions.
Develop and execute on yearly action plan to upgrade the Real Estate Function.
Disseminate communication relating to vision & mission throughout regional organization; and cascade key organizational messages throughout the organization.
Gain an understanding of the resources required to manage the portfolio and ensure there is a plan in place to retain those resources.
Ensure “buy-in” from key stakeholders for major Real Estate initiatives; communicate cost reduction strategic plans and targets.