Head of Corporate Real Estate & Services (CRES) - EMEA region

Job Opportunity: Head of Corporate Real Estate & Services (CRES) – EMEA Region

The Division of Corporate Real Estate & Services (CRES) is seeking a Head of Corporate Real Estate & Services (CRES) for the EMEA region. This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of professional solutions within the department by providing high-quality, sustainable, and economically viable services both within Swiss Re's office environment and its related Catering/Hospitality operations.

Location

Switzerland – Zurich or another Swiss Re location in EMEA

About the Role

In this position, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the department's operational activities to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in alignment with CRES global guidelines. You will implement transparent cost management strategies to meet targets and ensure that your team possesses the necessary capabilities to execute the CRES mandate according to agreed standards.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the provision of workplace infrastructure and non-building related services to optimally support Swiss Re's business needs across 22 locations with approximately 4,000 workplaces.
• Ensure efficient service delivery and uphold quality by operating and implementing global processes, guidelines, and standards in areas such as:
  • Building infrastructure management and maintenance
  • Building Operations and Facility Services
  • Portfolio and Workplace Management
  • Front Office Services
  • Safety & Security services
  • Events Management
• Oversee departmental planning, reporting, and control of operational costs, as well as investment and workforce planning, in collaboration with central teams.
• Manage local renovation projects, including sourcing designers and contractors, budgetary planning, cost comparison, and negotiation processes according to CRES global guidelines.
• Facilitate efficient information exchange within the department and with key stakeholders, including Country Presidents and local Managing Directors.
• Collaborate with the Centre of Competence for Corporate Real Estate to monitor market property and initiate negotiations on lease renewals with landlords.
• Contribute to the development of the global service operations model and ensure its implementation within the region.
• Uphold service delivery standards while maintaining high service quality and reputation with optimized cost efficiency.
• Manage people and resources effectively, including performance management, recruitment, and budgeting.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure optimal service delivery from suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with local Safety and Security requirements and Swiss Re’s Code of Conduct, along with any relevant Group guidelines and standards.

About the Team

The team consists of approximately 50 internal staff members and 45 external partners, currently structured into four subregions supporting various central activities.

About You

We are looking for a passionate leader and team player who thrives in a multicultural environment. You should have the adaptability to manage change, be comfortable with ambiguity, and proficiently handle multiple tasks. As an excellent communicator with strong influencing and negotiation skills, you will collaborate effectively with various internal and external partners. Your ability to drive pragmatism and focus on results will empower you to implement changes and improve continuously. With your established business acumen and stakeholder management skills, you will adeptly balance customer orientation with cost efficiency.

Candidate Profile

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree, preferably in Building Technology or Architecture, along with an additional degree in Business Administration.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in similar roles within an international organization, including at least five years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven ability to lead complex organizations with excellent interpersonal and people management capabilities.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
• Language skills: Excellent command of spoken and written English. Proficiency in German, Spanish, French, Slovakian, or Italian is advantageous.

About Swiss Re

Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and other forms of risk transfer, committed to making the world more resilient. We anticipate and manage a variety of risks, from natural disasters to cybercrime. By combining experience with innovative thinking and cutting-edge expertise, we create new opportunities and solutions for our clients, supported by over 14,000 employees globally.

Our success hinges on our ability to foster an inclusive culture that encourages diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. We promote a workplace where every individual has equal opportunities to thrive and develop professionally, regardless of their background. In our inclusive and flexible environment, everyone has the opportunity to bring their authentic selves to work.

If you are an experienced professional looking to return to the workforce after a career break, we invite you to apply for suitable open positions that match your skills and experience. Apply online using the form below.

Note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.