Senior Director Real Estate Construction Discovery Communications London

Job Description
The Senior Director, Real Estate & Construction is a highly skilled and experienced leadership position with focus on both administrative and technical spaces across the Eurosport and Northern Europe property portfolios. The position is responsible for the planning, project management, design and construction of multi-million dollar facilities and technical enhancement projects as well as lease negotiations/transactions, strategic property/portfolio planning and workplace strategy for technical and office facilities across Eurosport and Northern Europe. The position requires an understanding of live/sports broadcast environments and may evolve further to include other regions as the Discovery’s global portfolio continues to evolve and grow.


Directs facility and technical space design & construction projects from initial customer contact through to occupancy in a manner than ensures 1)precise capture and fulfillment of both technical and administrative requirements, 2) customer satisfaction and 3) accurate and timely completion of of project deliverables according to agreed budgets. Involves leading all external contractors and vendor activities (architects, engineers, general contractors, movers, furniture vendors, etc.) on multi-discipline and cross-functional capital project teams (GRE/MTPO/GT&O/etc) to ensure coordinated and seamless delivery. Establishes a framework at the onset of all facilities projects that sets time frames, budgets and approvals needed for all team members involved.
Interacts, collaborates and consults with senior leaders and business unit Presidents from multiple divisions and offices in order to translate their vision into a cost effective design that can be implemented. Requires subject matter expertise in construction, architectural/interior design and workspace strategy in order to guide options and illustrate pros/cons for each option.
Develops a strategic real estate plan in conjunction with corporate manpower planning that ensures the availability of space at the right price. Negotiates leases with significant flexibility to accommodate changing requirements.
Leads front end scoping and due diligence efforts and drive business case documents as required, for new acquisitions and/or project initiatives across the regions, often involving environments containing live sports/broadcast and related live TV process flows and space rqts. Critical components include data and financial analysis, heavy research and review of technical, architectural and construction needs, and developing executive briefings and recommendations that align with business strategy/goals.
Within the context of multiple customer requests at any given time, must be able to: maximize utilization of resources (both internal and external) within the context of business objectives; scope projects and estimate resources needed to achieve project objectives; develop and monitor project schedules to ensure the timely completion of projects and effective use of resources.
Reviews and approves Construction Documents (CD’s), specifications, Statements of Work (SOW’s), Requests for Proposals (RFP’s), Purchase Requisitions, bids and invoices – leveraging department and professional/external resources where appropriate - to ensure implementation of the best technical and most cost effective solution. Negotiates contract pricing, terms and conditions; manages vendor technical, cost and schedule performance; and reviews vendor deliverables for quality and compliance.
Provides leadership to the team and functional areas to anticipate and identify complex project issues which pose a challenge to achieving strategic goals; proposes and implements plans to resolve such issues and execute corrective actions. Directs highly complex project communications and ensures that all project customers are fully informed and knowledgeable of project activities and their status and represents Global Real Estate Planning & Development team to key business unit stakeholders for major strategic real estate decisions.
In close consultation with the VP, establishes vision, values, goals, objectives, policies, processes and procedures related to how corporate/technical space and construction projects are managed. Analyzes costs and customer requirements with industry standards to ensure cost efficient utilization of DCI facilities as well as local/regional compliance.
Understands industry trends and innovations and leverages them across projects in a cost effective manner, with regards to architectural design, construction, engineering, and technical facility design in order to meet business requirements with long-term reliability/maintenance/feasibility in mind.
Reviews and / or prepares project plans, budgets, schedules and performance measures including financial statements and progress reports to ensure both departmental and overall project efficiencies.
Collaborates with Portfolio Planning team to maintain accurate lease information in OVLA and directly ensures accuracy of rent payments, and a timely review of notifications provided in the lease agreement. Reviews and approves operating and tax escalations for accuracy and payment and ensures leasehold improvement collection, equipment maintenance and repair, and utilities/opex escalations are tracked and processed on-time.
Provides leadership over facility management activities for key regional offices (e.g. Paris), in a matrixed fashion.
In close consultation with the VP, plans, executes, manages and provides reporting on the operating and capital budget plan for regional OpEx/CapEx spend for all locations in-region.
Selects, trains, orients, and assigns department staff. Evaluates performance and conducts performance management planning. Initiates or makes recommendations for personnel actions. Maintains ongoing communication with subordinates to review programs, provide feedback, discuss new developments, and exchange information. Develops Communication Plans for special project rollouts and major initiatives.
Other duties as assigned


Bachelors degree required; business administration degree plus technical experience, preferred
Minimum of 12+ years of relevant experience in large-scale facility project management & construction management, across all stages of design/construction life-cycle (real estate acquisition, architectural design, structural, mechanical / electrical / plumbing (MEP) coordination as well as understanding of acoustics, AV, IT and furniture) - AutoCAD skills a plus
Ideal candidate will have a working-level understanding of the television/broadcast environment, including live sports broadcast and commentary, audio/video transmission processes and technical infrastructure needs for broadcast/control room/studio environments
Experience in negotiations and large real estate transactions involving market research and data analysis, strategic planning, financial analysis, modeling, reporting, project and program management, and vendor management, all for C-suite and Board level reporting
Must have a broad understanding of architectural regulations, building codes, country/city/local building permit procedures for countries across the European region
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and direct multiple projects and activities with varied deadlines simultaneously; effective in identifying and managing strategic agendas; ability to influence others effectively in a matrix-driven, global environment; politically savvy
Effective communicator of ideas (clear/concise written & oral communication skills), project goals and results, to include making presentations and updates to senior management and in broader forums both internal and external to Discovery & Eurosport, all with minimal supervision
Ability to lead and motivate in a manner that fosters understanding, teamwork, employee engagement and commitment to results; ability to set priorities and work well with all levels of personnel
Utilizes sound judgment; ensures utmost discretion and confidentiality of sensitive information, high level of diplomacy and tact, strong support of all ethical issues
Highly proficient written and oral English language skills – knowledge of French/Dutch/Scandinavian languages a plus
Strong analytical ability and experience with strategic planning processes and internal controls experience
Advanced to expert level proficiency in MS Office with focus on PowerPoint and Excel
Must possess strong personnel management background with proven track record
Experience establishing and implementing effective business processes and standard operating procedures.
Proficiency in managing large operating and capital budgets with exceptional math skills and attention to detail
A high level of initiative, customer focus, aptitude for learning.
Detail oriented with exceptional follow-up skills.
High degree of professional integrity and trustworthiness in order to work with often sensitive/confidential information cross-functionally, with peers, management and senior leadership alike
Ability to travel across the international portfolio.

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