Corporate Real Estate & Property Management Director

Yazaki is a global leader in the research, development and delivery of vehicle power and data solutions.

Yazaki works with virtually every major auto manufacturer in the world, and we've strived to maintain strategic and stable growth throughout our 83-year history. Today, we're on the lookout for energetic people with the potential to perform, as well as the ability to strengthen - and thrive in - the positive work environment we pride ourselves on.

Location: Canton, MI, USA  

What we are looking for:

Yazaki is looking for a Head of Corporate Real Estate & Property Management to join our team in Canton, MI.  This candidate also has the ability to be located in the Plano, TX area. They will oversee property investment evaluation and assessment, collaborating closely with Operations and Finance to develop Yazaki’s investment portfolio. They make critical decisions regarding building acquisition strategies, whether through construction, purchase, or lease. They work in conjunction with Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to identify optimal build sites for future plants or repurposing existing facilities, guided by comprehensive risk assessments, and utilizing Yazaki’s investment request process (Kian process) for fund allocation.

What you will be doing:

• Creates and implements strategies to develop and maintain a profitable real estate portfolio.
• Completes site selection for new buildings and negotiates prices/contracts with builders and service providers involved in the development of Yazaki’s real estate.
• Ensures that transactions fit within budget and strategic plans by comprehensively reviewing procedures to navigate cost-effective operations.
• Actively participates through partnership with Operations, Finance, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain in order to lead in capital improvement projects, providing input on project design, execution, and closing.
• Directs the activities of in-house and outsourced resources in the delivery of YNCA real estate transaction services, construction, project management, and facilities management.
• Drives planned growth for YNCA portfolio by identifying resources required to scout new locations, reposition existing locations, and refine Yazaki’s capital investment.
• Leads strategic planning of sites and real estate portfolio, including site visits and site selection.
• Implements Kian process of requesting funds/investments.
• Directs team with objective of improving revenue, maximizing operating efficiencies, and promoting best use of assets.
• Leads financial planning process, including the development of budget, periodic forecasts, and longer-term financial plans.
• Ensures any external partners execute responsibilities according to contract requirements, operating budgets, implementing best practices, confirming policy compliance, and driving service improvements.
• Ensures preventive/predictive/reactive maintenance, sustainability, and energy conservation practices.
• Monitors supplier staffing levels and operating budgets, reconciles against approved plans, and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Works with team on enhancing and developing sound plans to mitigate risk throughout the portfolio.
• Translates strategies into program/project plans including scope management, stakeholder engagement, and deliverables.
• Work with the operations team on the construction of new facilities throughout North and Central America.
• Support and execution of group wide real estate strategy taking the portfolio strategy and lifecycle costs into account and define/implement measures to optimize occupancy cost.
• Conduct portfolio analyses and real estate surveys across multiple business groups to align the regional real estate strategy with the local business strategy.  Includes developing macro and micro portfolio analytics and real estate dashboards to supplement business decision making processes with in-depth real estate data.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge of the real estate market through regular communication with landlords, developers, and brokers.
• Build consensus and alignment on market specific development budgets, forecasts, goals, and objectives.
• Structure economic terms of transactions to meet the company objectives and current market conditions.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in business, finance or related field
• 10+ years relevant experience
• Travel: 25+% local, regional, national, and international
• Ability to resolve issues by applying creative thinking
• Ability to think and act logically under pressure
• Ability to resolve issues or propose resolutions to responsible parties
• Must work independently and collaboratively
• Bilingual – English and Spanish

What we can provide you:

• A safe collaborative learning work environment that stimulates creativity and exploration
• Diverse teams of experts
• Resources from around the globe
• Supportive leadership and team members to help you do your best work
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including incentive compensation, 401K match, tuition assistance and a generous holiday schedule
• A hybrid work schedule

Yazaki North America is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, handicap, veteran status, or other legally protected status or characteristic. Equal opportunity extends to all aspects of the employment relationship. Yazaki North America complies with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of harassment.