Category Manager Real Estate

Wallenius Wilhelmsen; Oslo; On-site; NOK 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Wallenius Wilhelmsen in Lysaker, Norway seeks an experienced Procurement Category Manager for Real Estate & Facilities to lead the category strategy and commercial management of a USD 200 million global portfolio.

This on-site role works with senior leaders to shape lease terms, facilities services, and major construction projects, driving cost efficiency, risk mitigation, and long-term value across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience in Corporate Real Estate, Facilities Management, Construction Procurement or Strategic Procurement.
• Strong knowledge of lease structures and landlord negotiations.
• Experience managing multi-country real estate portfolios.
• Track record influencing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Shape category strategy and portfolio governance globally.
• Lead major lease renewals, renegotiations, relocations and exits.
• Lead strategic tenders and commercial negotiations with landlords and providers.
• Support major office developments, relocations, fit-outs and select construction projects.
• Establish sourcing frameworks and contracting standards.

Skills

Corporate Real Estate

Facilities Management

Construction Procurement

Strategic Procurement

Stakeholder Management

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Real Estate, Property Management or related discipline

Job description

Procurement Category Manager, Real Estate & Facilities

We're looking for an experienced and commercially driven Procurement Category Manager, Real Estate & Facilities to lead the category strategy and commercial management of a USD 200 million global real estate portfolio spanning land leases, office leases, facilities management and major construction projects. The portfolio includes some of the company's most significant long-term commercial commitments and plays a critical role in supporting our global operations. Working closely with senior business leaders, you will shape how our real estate portfolio is governed, sourced and optimized, influencing decisions on lease commitments, facilities services, occupancy costs and major capital projects. You will combine commercial leadership and supplier market expertise to identify opportunities, challenge assumptions and improve how space, facilities and real estate services are utilized across the organization. Your role will directly influence cost, risk, service quality and long-term value creation across our global footprint. Reporting directly to the VP Procurement, this is a rare opportunity to help build a leading procurement function while shaping how a global organization manages and optimizes its real estate footprint. This position is based at our office at Lysaker, Norway and is an on-site role requiring regular presence in the office.

What You’ll Do

Shape category strategy and portfolio governance

• Develop and implement global category strategies across Real Estate, Facility Management and Construction in partnership with senior business stakeholders, aligning lease management, facilities services and construction activities globally.
• Govern lease commitments, renewal obligations and key commercial terms across the portfolio.
• Analyze spend, supplier markets and cost drivers to identify opportunities for portfolio optimization, cost reduction and risk mitigation.
• Use market intelligence and business insight to shape long-term portfolio strategy, including IFM, managed service and supplier consolidation opportunities.
• Influence major location decisions through commercial insight, optimizing occupancy costs, utilization and portfolio risk.

Lead sourcing and commercial execution

• Lead major lease renewals, renegotiations, relocations and exits.
• Lead strategic tenders and commercial negotiations with landlords, facility management providers and strategic suppliers.
• Support major office developments, relocations, fit-outs and selected construction projects.
• Establish sourcing frameworks, contracting standards and commercial approaches that deliver consistency and value across the organisation.

Who We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines commercial acumen, strategic thinking and strong stakeholder management skills. You are comfortable navigating complex real estate decisions, influencing senior leaders and turning market insight into tangible business outcomes. You don't simply negotiate leases and supplier contracts. You identify opportunities to optimise portfolios, challenge space requirements, improve facilities strategies and help the business make better long-term real estate decisions.

What You’ll Need

• Significant experience in Corporate Real Estate, Facilities Management, Construction Procurement or Strategic Procurement.
• Strong understanding of lease structures, landlord negotiations, facilities outsourcing models and construction contracting.
• Experience managing complex real estate portfolios and strategic supplier relationships across multiple countries or regions.
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and supporting major commercial or real estate decisions.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and analytical capabilities.
• Experience balancing global governance with local execution in a complex organization.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Real Estate, Property Management or a related discipline.

Who We Are

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, you'll join a global leader in shipping and logistics with more than 9,000 colleagues across 28 countries. Together, we help move vehicles, equipment, and goods around the world through innovative and sustainable solutions. Our ambition is to lead the way in transforming shipping and logistics.

Our success is built on our people. Rooted in a strong safety culture and guided by our values - We Care, We Challenge, We Commit - we create an environment where people can grow, contribute, and perform at their best. As a global company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, we offer international opportunities within a collaborative and values-driven culture.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities and an Inclusive Workplace

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, our people are fundamental to our success. We believe in the power of bringing people together and value the unique experiences, skills, and perspectives every individual brings. These differences strengthen our ability to support our customers, drive innovation, and succeed as a global organisation. By fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute, we create better outcomes for our people, our customers, and our business.