The Real Estate Program Manager is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading complex real estate programs, transactions, and strategic initiatives that support Flexential's growth, operational scalability, and portfolio performance. This role serves as a trusted subject matter expert and strategic partner across the organization, driving the execution of high-impact projects that require coordination across multiple functions, including Operations, Finance, Legal, Design & Construction, Energy, Product, and Executive Leadership. Operating with significant autonomy, the Real Estate Program Manager manages large-scale initiatives through all phases of planning and execution, providing analytical insights, influencing key decisions, and ensuring successful project outcomes. This position is accountable for managing complex projects, budgets, risks, timelines, and stakeholder relationships while continuously identifying opportunities to improve processes, portfolio performance, and operational effectiveness. The ideal candidate combines deep commercial real estate expertise with strong program management, business acumen, and the ability to influence outcomes across cross-functional teams without direct authority. Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions Real Estate Strategy & Portfolio Management • Lead real estate programs and strategic initiatives that support capacity growth, market expansion, portfolio optimization, and business objectives. • Evaluate market opportunities and site selection alternatives through financial, operational, and strategic analysis. • Develop recommendations to support leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, renewals, and other portfolio decisions. • Monitor portfolio performance and identify opportunities to improve utilization, scalability, efficiency, and long-term value. • Support development and execution of short- and long-range portfolio strategies. Transaction & Project Leadership • Manage complex real estate transactions from initial evaluation through execution and handoff to internal stakeholders. • Lead negotiations and coordinate efforts with brokers, landlords, developers, consultants, attorneys, and other external partners. • Drive project schedules, budgets, due diligence efforts, approvals, and critical milestones to ensure successful execution. • Anticipate risks, dependencies, and potential obstacles and develop mitigation strategies to maintain project objectives. • Ensure real estate initiatives are aligned with operational requirements, business priorities, and customer commitments. Cross-Functional Program Management • Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. • Establish project governance, communication plans, and execution frameworks to improve consistency and accountability. • Facilitate decision-making by providing clear analysis, recommendations, and actionable insights to business leaders. • Influence project outcomes through collaboration, expertise, and strong stakeholder management rather than formal authority. • Drive alignment among cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives. Financial & Business Analysis • Develop and maintain financial models, business cases, and investment analyses supporting real estate decisions. • Analyze market trends, operating costs, capital expenditures, and portfolio performance metrics. • Present recommendations to senior leadership based on financial, operational, and strategic considerations. • Support forecasting, reporting, and strategic planning activities within the Real Estate function. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence • Identify opportunities to improve real estate processes, tools, reporting, and project delivery methodologies. • Implement best practices that enhance efficiency, scalability, and consistency across the portfolio. • Establish and maintain standards, documentation, and reporting processes supporting organizational objectives. • Contribute to strategic initiatives designed to improve operational performance and business outcomes. • Serve as a resource and mentor to project team members and less experienced contributors. Scope & Impact • Leads complex real estate programs, transactions, and portfolio initiatives with significant operational, financial, and strategic impact. • Independently manages multiple concurrent projects involving substantial investment, business risk, and executive visibility. • Provides subject matter expertise and recommendations that influence portfolio strategy and key business decisions. • Drives collaboration across multiple business functions to achieve organizational objectives. • Exercises independent judgment in evaluating alternatives, solving complex problems, and managing project risks. • Contributes to the development and execution of departmental and cross-functional strategic plans. • Establishes processes and governance frameworks that improve execution, efficiency, and operational effectiveness. • Influences outcomes through expertise, leadership, and stakeholder engagement without direct managerial authority. • Supports continuous improvement initiatives that enhance scalability, reliability, and portfolio performance. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field. • 8-12 years of progressive experience in commercial real estate, program management, portfolio management, development, corporate real estate, or related disciplines. • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the data center industry. • Demonstrated experience leading complex real estate transactions, programs, and cross-functional initiatives. • Strong knowledge of commercial real estate principles, transaction management, due diligence, financial analysis, and portfolio planning. • Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority projects with competing deadlines and diverse stakeholder groups. • Experience influencing decisions and driving results in a matrixed organizational environment. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills. • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills. • Proficiency with financial modeling, project management tools, and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Finance, or related field. • Professional certifications such as PMP, CCIM, MCR, or similar industry credentials. • Experience supporting data center, mission-critical infrastructure, technology, telecommunications, or industrial real estate portfolios. • Experience working with executive leadership teams on strategic planning and complex investment decisions. • Knowledge of lease administration, development projects, and capital planning processes. Base Pay Range: The annual salary range offered for this position is estimated to be $104,000 - $120,000. However, the actual pay range depends on each candidate’s experience, location, and qualifications. Variable Pay: Discretionary annual bonus, based on personal and company performance. At Flexential, we value diversity and believe that different perspectives and unique skills make us stronger as a team. While we've outlined the qualities and skills we are looking for in this job posting, we understand that there may be attributes and abilities that aren't explicitly listed but could be a perfect fit for our team. We want to emphasize that you shouldn't hesitate to apply if you don't meet every requirement. We're enthusiastic about assembling a diverse team of individuals who bring various talents to the table. Your unique perspective and abilities may be just what we need to drive innovation and success. If you believe you have what it takes to thrive in our environment, we encourage you to apply. Benefits of working at Flexential • Medical, Telehealth, Dental and Vision • 401(k) • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) • Life and AD&D • Short Term and Long-Term disability • Flex Paid Time Off (PTO) • Leave of Absence • Employee Assistance Program • Wellness Program • Rewards and Recognition Program Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion. Work Location Eligibility At this time, we are only able to employ individuals who reside and perform work in states where the company is authorized to do business and maintain employment registrations. We are currently unable to consider applicants who reside or will perform work in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington DC. Employees hired into Atlanta-area positions may be required to work onsite at least 30 hours per week, depending on business needs, role requirements, and assigned work location. Onsite expectations will be discussed during the hiring process. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must reside in a state where the company maintains employment eligibility at the time of hire and throughout their employment. State eligibility may be subject to change based on business needs and regulatory requirements. Flexential participates in the E-Verify program. Please click here for more information. EEOC Statement: Flexential is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Originally posted on Himalayas