Vice President, Global Real Estate Strategy & Planning

Scotiabank•Toronto, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President, Global Real Estate Strategy & Planning leads the development and execution of the Bank’s Global, enterprise-wide Real Estate strategy. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Global Real Estate & Corporate Services, the role is accountable for Portfolio Optimization, Occupancy Planning, Data & Analytics, Workplace Strategy and Business Relationship Management. The Vice President partners closely with Senior Business Leaders and Corporate Functions to align Real Estate decisions with enterprise priorities, headcount plans, transformation objectives, and evolving ways of working.

Requirements

Extensive leadership experience (15+ years) in corporate Real Estate strategy, portfolio planning, workplace strategy, or financial services operations within large, complex, global organizations
Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-aligned Real Estate and occupancy strategies that drive transformation and operational efficiency
Strong business acumen with the ability to influence and partner effectively with executive stakeholders across geographies and functions
Exceptional leadership and people development skills, with experience managing global teams
In-depth understanding of the Bank’s strategy, business model, operations, and control environment, including risk management and regulatory frameworks
Demonstrated excellence in analytical thinking, strategic planning, and executive-level communication, with a strong track record of delivering high-impact presentations to senior leadership and executive committees
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field required

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred
Spanish speaking is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Establish the Business Relationship Model to ensure each Line of Business across the Bank has a dedicated Real Estate Strategic Partner
Builds trusted partnerships across business lines and corporate functions and aligns portfolio decisions with headcount planning, investment priorities, organizational change, and enterprise transformation
Establish Data & Analytics as a Strategic Priority and champions the use of analytics, market intelligence, and scenario modelling to inform Real Estate investment, occupancy management, and strategic decision-making
Develop and execute forward-looking global Real Estate strategies aligned to the Bank’s business objectives, growth priorities, efficiency goals, and evolving workplace needs
Lead strategic portfolio planning, including site selection, consolidation, expansion, and disposition, to maximize value, agility, and long-term performance
Own the enterprise workplace strategy, including space occupancy standards, hybrid work enablement, and future-of-work planning, to support productivity, collaboration, and employee experience
Act as a strategic advisor to Senior Executives, translating enterprise priorities into integrated Real Estate strategies, plans, and solutions aligned with organizational goals and risk frameworks
Oversee governance, prioritization, and executive reporting for strategic Real Estate initiatives to enable clear decision-making, transparency, and stakeholder alignment
Drive disciplined financial management across the global Real Estate portfolio, optimizing capital deployment and operating costs while maintaining a high-quality employee experience
Lead complex transformation initiatives, including new workplace models, sustainability priorities, resilience planning, and technology-enabled solutions
Lead and develop a high-performing global team across strategy, planning, and analytics, fostering innovation, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement
Lead and drive a customer-focused culture across the team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems, and knowledge
Direct day-to-day activities in a manner consistent with the Bank’s risk culture and the relevant risk appetite statement and limits. Communicates the Bank’s risk culture and risk appetite statement throughout the team
Create an environment in which teams pursue effective and efficient operations in accordance with Scotiabank’s Values, Code of Conduct, and Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework
Build a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops, and motivates the team by fostering an inclusive work environment and using a coaching mindset and behaviours; communicating vision, values, and business strategy; and managing succession and development planning for the team
Lead innovation through leveraging market trends, external best practices and global perspective