Director, RE Governance & Strategy
Position Summary
The Director, Real Estate Governance & Strategy is responsible for setting the global real estate strategy, governance framework, and standards for DePuy Synthes's global real estate portfolio (~187 properties).
Scope of Role
Global portfolio: ~187 DePuy Synthes properties (office, R&D, manufacturing, residential housing)
Functional scope: RE strategy, governance, standards, business case approval, process ownership, performance management
Geographic reach: Global (Americas, EMEA, APAC)
Authority: Global strategy, policies, standards, approval frameworks, and performance metrics; regional execution via matrixed delivery teams
Key Responsibilities
Define and maintain the global real estate strategy, aligned to DePuy Synthes business priorities, footprint needs, and long-term growth objectives.
Lead portfolio-level planning, including scenario analysis, market trends, and strategic options to inform leadership decisions.
Ensure real estate strategy integrates workplace, site design standards, and long-range master planning.
Own and operate the global RE governance model, including decision rights, approval thresholds, and escalation paths.
Serve as the business case approval authority for major real estate investments, transactions, and strategic initiatives.
Ensure consistent application of governance across regions while allowing for appropriate local flexibility.
Lead change management efforts related to new governance models, processes, and ways of working across the enterprise.
Define and maintain global real estate standards, best practices, and policies, including space planning, workplace design, and site planning guidelines.
Act as the process owner for key RE workflows (e.g., LRFP, RE planning, approvals, performance management).
Drive simplification, standardization, and continuous improvement across RE processes.
Establish and track global RE performance metrics, KPIs, and dashboards. Provide leadership with data-driven insights on portfolio performance, cost, utilization, and execution effectiveness.
Identify systemic gaps or inefficiencies and drive corrective actions.
Monitor and report on the effectiveness of governance frameworks, portfolio performance, and real estate decision outcomes, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
Partner closely with: Regional RE Delivery leaders, Property Services, Strategic Supplier Management, Finance, Procurement, Legal, and Workplace teams.
Ensure real estate strategy and governance are fully integrated into broader enterprise planning and investment processes.
Support enterprise transformations (e.g., separation, footprint changes, operating-model shifts) by providing clear strategy, governance, and execution guardrails.
Enable consistent adoption of new standards, tools, and ways of working across regions.
Core Capabilities
Enterprise real estate strategy development
Governance and decision-rights design
Portfolio planning and market analysis
Business case evaluation and capital discipline
Process ownership and standardization
Performance management and executive reporting
Global operating model enablement
Competencies & Skills
Strategic Leadership
Influence & Collaboration
Analytical & Financial Acumen
Change & Execution Discipline
Experience & Education
12+ years of experience in corporate real estate, portfolio strategy, governance, or large-scale real estate programs
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Demonstrated experience operating at an enterprise or global level within a complex organization
Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business priorities into actionable real estate strategies
Proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders
Experience developing governance models, policies, and decision frameworks
Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills
Preferred Experience
Supporting large-scale transformations, separations, or operating-model changes
Background in life sciences, medical devices, or other highly regulated industries
Familiarity with global real estate portfolios and multi-regional operations
Experience working with external real estate service providers and advisors
Strong change management and organizational design capabilities
Other
Travel: Up to 20%, domestic and occasional international travel
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance
Consolidated retirement plan (pension) and savings plan (401(k))
Long-term incentive program
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 10 days
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Condolence Leave – 30 days for an immediate family member: 5 days for an extended family member
Volunteer Leave – 4 days
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours