Associate Director - Global Real Estate Services Operations Lead

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

EY's Real Estate Services (RES) team is delivering global real estate operations excellence, spanning governance, technology enablement and cost optimization for a multi‑national portfolio. The Global Real Estate Services Operations Lead will shape the operating model, oversee platforms like TRIRIGA, SAP and Ariba, and partner with Finance, Risk, Legal and Talent to drive performance.

As a strategic leader, you will manage global delivery teams, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and

Responsibilities

• Global Operations Leadership: Lead the operational strategy and execution framework supporting EY's global real estate portfolio.
• Transformation, Innovation and AI: Lead strategic transformation initiatives across the global RES organization.
• Data, Analytics and Business Insights: Own the development and delivery of operational reporting and performance management frameworks.
• Technology and Systems Management: Provide leadership for key platforms including TRIRIGA, SAP, Ariba and related technologies.
• Financial and Commercial Management: Support the RES operating budget, forecasting and reporting.

Job description

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

The opportunity

EY's Real Estate Services (RES) team is responsible for enabling one of the world's largest corporate real estate portfolios, supporting approximately 440,000 professionals across more than 2.3 million square meters of office space and delivering approximately 300 real estate projects annually across the globe.

The Global Real Estate Services Operations Lead is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, service delivery, transformation, technology enablement and governance across EY's global real estate function. As a member of the Real Estate Services Leadership Team, this individual will lead the operational framework, systems, processes and teams that support the effective delivery of real estate services globally.

This role will play a critical part in shaping the future operating model of Global Real Estate Services through the adoption of advanced technologies, automation, AI-enabled capabilities, data-driven decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.

The successful candidate will bring a combination of operational leadership, global stakeholder management, technology enablement, financial management and change leadership experience within complex, multinational environments.

Key responsibilities

• Global Operations Leadership
  • Lead the operational strategy and execution framework supporting EY's global real estate portfolio.
  • Establish and maintain global operating standards, governance structures and service delivery models.
  • Drive consistency, scalability and operational excellence across Real Estate Services functions.
  • Partner closely with Real Estate Leaders, Procurement, Finance, Technology, Risk, Legal, Security and Talent teams to ensure aligned and efficient service delivery.
  • Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions to continuously improve delivery outcomes.
• Transformation, Innovation and AI
  • Lead strategic transformation initiatives across the global RES organization.
  • Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize and automate processes.
  • Drive the implementation and adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, automation and advanced analytics.
  • Develop operational roadmaps that support future workplace, real estate and business strategies.
  • Champion innovation and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Data, Analytics and Business Insights
  • Own the development and delivery of operational reporting and performance management frameworks.
  • Provide executive-level reporting, insights and recommendations to support strategic decision making.
  • Support scenario planning and portfolio analysis supporting optimization, efficiency and cost management objectives.
  • Develop KPI and service performance frameworks that measure operational effectiveness and business value.
• Technology and Systems Management
  • Provide leadership and oversight for key operational platforms including TRIRIGA, SAP, Ariba and related technologies.
  • Drive data quality, governance and reporting excellence across the global portfolio.
  • Partner with technology teams to optimize existing platforms and evaluate future capabilities.
  • Ensure operational systems effectively support business requirements and strategic objectives.
• Financial and Commercial Management
  • Support the development and management of the global RES operating budget.
  • Oversee operational financial performance, forecasting and reporting activities.
  • Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining service quality and business outcomes.
  • Support governance of chargeback, allocation and cost recovery processes where applicable.
• Service Provider Management
  • Provide operational oversight of strategic third-party service providers supporting the RES function.
  • Establish and monitor service level agreements, operational metrics and performance standards.
  • Build strong partnerships with external providers to drive innovation, value creation and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure alignment with EY procurement, risk and compliance standards.
• Lead and develop a globally dispersed operations team across EY Global Delivery Services locations.
• Create a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous learning.
• Provide leadership for talent attraction, succession planning, coaching and professional development.
• Build organizational capabilities that support the long-term evolution of the global RES function.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across EY.
  • Act as the primary operational point of contact for global Real Estate Services matters.
  • Build productive relationships across Finance, Technology, Talent, Risk Management, Legal, Security, Procurement and Workplace functions.
  • Influence strategic decisions through strong business acumen, data-driven insights and collaborative leadership.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead within highly matrixed global organizations.
• Strong business, financial and commercial