Manager, Real Estate

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries distributed across three continents. As an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries in which it exists, and has campuses, programs, and/or teaching hospitals in Afghanistan, Kenya, Pakistan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. As an international institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access; and AKU is a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change

AKU is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and aims to adopt appropriate standards for safeguarding and promoting a respectful relationship with and between all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders with whom it works, including children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees/trainees and partners to share this commitment

The Manager, Real Estate, will be responsible to lead and manage the University's property-related matters, including leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and property management. Mandate of this role includes properties being used as AKU's academic campuses, healthcare facilities, outreach operations, and other University-owned or acquired assets, across Pakistan.

The Manager will maintain a comprehensive and updated database of all University properties, including key descriptions, agreements, and a record of any outstanding issues. The role also requires actively tracking and addressing property-related issues, including legal, logistical, and community concerns. The Manager will also develop strategies to explore income generation opportunities from available properties, in line with the legal mandate and broader strategic objectives.

Manager Real State will be involved coordinating with landlords, brokers, local community leaders, regulators, and legal counsel to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. It also entails negotiating lease agreements, overseeing property improvement projects, and supporting the acquisition and disposition of real estate assets.

Key Responsibilities

· Oversee day-to-day property leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and management functions across multiple campuses and operational sites.

· Maintain and regularly update a database of University properties, including key descriptions, agreements, and a record of pending issues.

· Actively monitor and address issues related to properties, such as legal disputes, logistical challenges, and community concerns.

· Manage the University's real estate portfolio, ensuring optimal utilization of properties and alignment with organizational goals.

· Implement property maintenance strategies, including contract management, repairs, and service agreements.

Lease and Contract Management

· Negotiate, draft, and finalize lease agreements, amendments, and renewals in compliance with institutional standards.

· Monitor lease agreements for critical dates, ensuring timely notifications and renewals.

· Analyse market trends to recommend lease adjustments and strategic opportunities for the University.

Property Development and Improvement

· Plan and manage site improvement projects, including scope definition, budgeting, contractor selection, and project oversight.

· Evaluate and implement highest and best-use strategies for University properties.

Acquisition and Disposition

· Lead the acquisition and disposition of properties, including site selection, due diligence, financial analysis, and contract negotiations.

· Ensure all transactions comply with institutional policies and regulatory approvals.

· Prepare and submit required documentation to governing bodies for property transactions.

Income Generation Planning

· Develop and implement strategies to generate income from available University properties.

· Assess market opportunities and recommend initiatives for property-related revenue streams.

Policy Development and Compliance

· Develop and implement property-related policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations.

· Monitor and ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and University standards in all property transactions and operations.

Stakeholder Coordination

· Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords, brokers, property managers and community leaders (where applicable).

· Coordinate with in-house and external legal counsel on property-related matters.

· Collaborate with internal departments to align property management strategies with institutional priorities.

Education

· Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Real Estate, Property Management, or a related field.

Experience

· Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in real estate management, property leasing, acquisitions, and development.

· Experience in a large, multi-location organization.

· Proven expertise in negotiating lease agreements, managing property improvement projects, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong understanding of real estate principles, property management, and legal frameworks.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain and manage detailed property records and databases.

· Expertise in handling property-related issues, including legal, logistical, and community matters.

· Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight.

· Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting for real estate transactions.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and familiarity with property management software.

· Based on AKU's main campus, with occasional travel to other properties as required.

· Requires flexibility to respond to urgent property management issues outside regular working hours.

Interested Candidates can apply to this position by sharing their resume at human.resources@aku.edu with mentioning the position no :100358801 as subject line.

Applications should be submitted latest by December 25, 2024