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Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC)

00069429761

Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC)


Job Summary

Cognizant is seeking an accomplished Associate Director – Real Estate Strategy & Transactions (India & APAC) with 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Lease Administration, and Strategic Transactions. This leadership role will be responsible for driving end-to-end real estate transactions, portfolio optimization, lease governance, market intelligence, and strategic planning across India and APAC. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior business leaders and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and cost-effective real estate solutions that support business objectives and long-term growth.

About Cognizant

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Through global expertise and local market knowledge, Cognizant enables clients to stay ahead in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Real Estate Strategy & Transactions

  • Act as the Corporate Real Estate (CRE) Strategy & Transactions focal point for India and APAC.
  • Lead and manage all real estate transaction activities including new lease acquisitions, lease renewals, lease expiries, site exits, mid-cycle escalations, and associate lease actions.
  • Evaluate market opportunities and develop executable real estate solutions for new space acquisitions.
  • Develop short-term and long-term city-level real estate strategies aligned with business and workplace requirements.
  • Conduct market intelligence assessments and rental benchmarking studies to support strategic decision-making.

Transaction & Governance Management

  • Drive Request for Proposal (RFP) processes in partnership with Procurement teams.
  • Update and validate Statements of Requirements based on business demand and market conditions.
  • Lead technical, commercial, financial, and legal due diligence activities in collaboration with Legal, IT, Security, HSE/EHS, and Workplace Services teams.
  • Organize and manage transaction governance forums and approval processes.
  • Prepare strategic recommendations and gain stakeholder alignment on shortlisted real estate solutions.
  • Develop business cases and secure approvals through appropriate governance channels.
  • Lead lease negotiations and facilitate execution readiness across all stakeholders.
  • Execute agreements and obtain required sign-offs from business leadership.
  • Ensure seamless transition and handover of completed transactions to Workplace Services and project delivery teams.

Lease & Portfolio Management

  • Maintain and govern the India and APAC Real Estate Portfolio Tracker.
  • Manage lease execution, registration, documentation, compliance, and archival activities.
  • Lead operational lease discussions and negotiations with landlords and service providers.
  • Support security deposit recovery, lease closures, and resolution of lease payment-related matters.
  • Serve as a key source of lease-related information for FP&A, Lease Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Workplace Services teams.

Financial Planning & Business Support

  • Support regional leadership with annual budget planning exercises and portfolio forecasts.
  • Drive Operations & Maintenance budgeting and forecasting activities.
  • Monitor portfolio performance and occupancy costs to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency.
  • Ensure adherence to internal governance processes, lease obligations, and corporate policies.

Stakeholder Management

  • Partner with business leaders and functional teams to align real estate strategies with organizational objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, consultants, brokers, and service providers.
  • Present strategic recommendations and portfolio insights to executive leadership and governance committees.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Finance, Facility Management, or a related discipline.
  • 15+ years of experience in Corporate Real Estate, Real Estate Transactions, Lease Administration, Portfolio Management, Workplace Strategy, or related functions.
  • Proven experience leading large-scale lease transactions, site acquisitions, renewals, consolidations, and exits.
  • Demonstrated experience managing real estate portfolios across India and APAC.
  • Strong understanding of commercial real estate markets, leasing structures, governance processes, and financial analysis.
  • Experience working with senior leaders and managing complex stakeholder environments.

Required Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong negotiation and influencing capabilities.
  • Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Advanced analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
  • High attention to detail and organizational excellence.
  • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
  • Knowledge of program and project management tools.
  • Financial modeling, budgeting, and business case preparation skills.
  • Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Work Model

  • Shift: Day Shift (India GMT +5:30)
  • Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • Travel: Willingness to travel across India and APAC based on business requirements.

Why Choose Cognizant

At Cognizant, you will play a pivotal role in shaping workplace and real estate strategies across India and APAC. This position offers an opportunity to drive high-impact decisions, collaborate with global leadership teams, and contribute to creating efficient, sustainable, and future-ready workplace solutions that support organizational growth and transformation.

About Cognizant: 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

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Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.
Debashish Mishra SAP MM Developer
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Cognizant offers me more than a job; it offers a community. We support each other, collaborate across borders and celebrate wins together. If you’re looking for a culture that values flexibility, diversity and growth, this is the place to be.
Laura Reynaud Lead Counsel
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When I first joined, I was quiet and hesitant to share my thoughts. The leadership programs and the mentoring I’ve received have helped me find my voice and grow as a leader.
Sujatha Gopalakrishnan Portfolio Delivery Lead
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I’ve had the chance to work on impactful projects and shadow colleagues, all while getting involved in internal initiatives. The world is your oyster at Cognizant—you just need to take advantage of it!
Lucas Hoffman Consultant

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