Real Estate Transaction Manager

Thousands of us around the world wake up every day with a common purpose: to make the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place. Science is in our DNA; we are endlessly curious and passionate about seeking and speaking the truth. We take delight in knowing that our work makes a meaningful contribution to society, and we are proud that our culture is centered on integrity, collaboration, inclusion and excellence. UL stands at the forefront of technological advancement, and we are continually challenged to find new ways to foster innovation and positive change. Satisfying? Yes. Exciting? Absolutely! 

The Real Estate Transaction Manager will partner with COU (Customer Operating Unit) leadership, regional management, site leaders and the Director Global Real Estate & Facilities to ccomplete analysis in support of real estate portfolio management, strategy, transactions and decision-making efforts in the region and promote the Global Real Estate brand. Actively participates in selection, evaluation, acquisition, occupation, management and/or disposition of property and office/lab space in compliance with company policy. Manages compliance with lease agreements and contracts; may participate in negotiation efforts. Support real estate portfolio management, strategic planning, and financial analysis to evaluate and recommend real estate plan decisions, incl lease vs own (build/purchase), with project owners. Provide guidance and support for real estate capital project planning and execution. Complete any required forecasts, budget analysis and reports of activities. Enhance collaboration with other functional SME, sharing project pipelines and policy updates.

Responsible for the direction of facilities in a region, providing guidance and support (if needed) on major office/ lab modifications, site improvements, maintenance and repair functions generally managed and administered by local offices. Oversee facility operations functions in the region such as, maintenance of grounds, buildings and equipment, security, shipping/receiving, space-planning design, hazardous material handling and safety programs in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local requirement. Work on corporate projects that result in establishing policy, procedures and direction that impact all UL facilities. May be assigned additional operational responsibilities at the direction of the Director Global Real Estate & Facilities.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage transactions as an end-to-end process to include user requirement development, broker/agent selection/ engagement, RFP process for site selection, due diligence, commercial and contract negotiation, and transaction closing documentations
• Ensure accurate and timely transaction activities reporting per global requirement, flagging upcoming lease expiration and ensuring all leases are renewed in a timely manner.
• Work with Real Estate Program Manager to drive continuous improvement of real estate transaction process, procedures and support tools/functions
• Assist Director Global Real Estate & Facilities with M&A real estate due diligence and post-acquisition integration as required.
• Manage landlord and real estate vendor relationships within the region
• Provide guidance and support to project owners in developing business case, formulation of real estate and portfolio strategic studies and the execution of real estate leasing, purchasing, disposal transactions and the construction work.
• Participate in consultant and main contractor selection, construction design and contract reviews, internal project team meetings, interim and final site acceptance inspection/ close out document review. Join change order reviews and site meetings with vendors (remote/ on spot) upon requests from project owners.
• Provide continuous guidance, support and training (as appropriate) to internal transaction/project management personnel on best practices, processes and procedures
• Work with third party service provider(s), UL legal, UL risk management and other internal stakeholders to develop standard process documents, including but not limited to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), lease clauses, letters of intent, etc.
• Work closely with UL lease administration, project management, facility management, and finance/accounting teams to ensure integration between the service lines.
• Coordinate work with appropriate real estate and facilities department team members and other internal service groups (e.g. IT, Marketing, Finance, Compliance, HR, etc.) to ensure that projects conform to corporate initiatives and standards.
• Review maintenance and renovation budget and proposals on facilities from local offices, including landlord or local authorities’ work that might impact or have potential risk(s) on facilities operation, providing governance and support upon execution, as appropriate.
• Performing other duties as assigned by Director Global Real Estate and Facilities.

• University Degree (equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in real estate, finance, architecture/engineering/building construction or related field). Advanced degree and members of relevant professional institutes a plus.
• 7+ years of corporate/commercial real estate experience with diversified corporate portfolio(s) performing transaction/project/program management. M&A exposure a plus.
• Extensive knowledge of principles, policies and practices relating to real estate transactions, understanding differences in standards and culture across geographies and cultures
• Knowledge of contract law, commercial real estate, corporate real estate leasing and tenant construction.
• Commercial/industrial real estate negotiation experience (leases, amendments, contracts, etc.). Solid track record of reducing company expenses and managing corporate real estate projects.
• Ability to build relationships with regional management, leaders and stakeholders, collaborate with other corporate functions (IT, HR, Finance, Legal, EHS, Security, etc)
• Ability to influence expectations and mitigate conflicts
• Understanding and capabilities in identifying and managing project and safety risks
• Willingness to challenge status quo, innovate and introduce new ideas

• Mission: For UL, corporate and social responsibility isn’t new. Making the world a safer, more secure and sustainable place has been our business model for the last 125 years and is deeply engrained in everything we do.   
• People: Ask any UL employee what they love most about working here, and you’ll almost always hear, “the people.” Going beyond what is possible is the standard at UL. We’re able to deliver the best because we employ the best.   

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here as we eagerly anticipate the next innovation that our customers create. We’re inspired to take on the challenge that will transform how people live, work and play. And as a global company, in many roles, you will get international experience working with colleagues around the world.   
• Grow & Achieve: We learn, work and grow together with targeted development, reward and recognition programs as well as our very own UL University that offers extensive training programs for employees at all stages, including a technical training track for applicable roles.   
• Total Rewards: Total Rewards: All employees at UL are eligible for bonus compensation. UL offers a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Additionally, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. We provide Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts that UL contributes to twice per year! Depending on your role, you can work with your manager on flexible working arrangements. We also provide employees with paid time off including vacation, holiday, sick and volunteer time off.