Diageo, a global leader in premium alcoholic beverages and home to iconic brands such as Guinness, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, and Baileys, is seeking an exceptional professional to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya. As a dynamic company with a presence in over 180 markets, Diageo produces and delivers more than 6.5 billion litres of its renowned products annually. To keep our global operations running smoothly, we depend on cutting-edge systems and world-class talent.
We are currently looking for a strategic and visionary leader to serve as Head of Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES), Africa. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and drive the implementation of Diageo’s real estate strategy across the African region. It encompasses a broad and impactful mandate — overseeing office locations, manufacturing sites, and land assets across nine African countries.
If you have a passion for innovation, sustainability, and creating inclusive and motivating workspaces, this could be the career move you’ve been waiting for.
Position: Head of Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES), Africa
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Job Requisition ID: JR1111083
- Posting Date: March 30, 2025
- Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
Purpose of the Role
As the Head of Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) in Africa, your primary role will be to ensure the successful delivery of the global CRES strategy within the region. You will oversee real estate assets, offices, and manufacturing sites while driving performance in five core areas: Workplace Experience, Portfolio and Supply Partner Optimisation, Sustainability, Culture and Capability, and Risk Management and Performance Metrics.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Business Partnership
- Execute the regional implementation of Diageo’s global CRES strategy across all African markets.
- Act as the primary business partner and SME for real estate within the region.
- Own and maintain executive-level relationships across markets, providing guidance and leadership on real estate matters.
- Lead the internal CRES function and outsourced teams to deliver on strategic goals.
Workplace Experience and Operational Excellence
- Ensure that Diageo workplaces across Africa are designed to inspire, connect, and support employee productivity and wellbeing.
- Lead capital and revenue planning for the CRES function within the African region.
- Drive execution of workplace transformation projects in alignment with Diageo’s 2030 Society ambitions.
- Align offices and facilities with Diageo’s sustainability goals on waste, water, and carbon footprint reduction.
Portfolio Management
- Optimize cost, carbon emissions, and workplace experience across the portfolio.
- Manage real estate investments, asset utilization, and potential consolidation or expansion efforts.
- Oversee acquisition, leasing, and disposal of properties in alignment with strategic needs.
Supplier and Team Management
- Manage third-party Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) service providers across the region.
- Ensure efficient and value-driven delivery of services and capital projects by suppliers.
- Build and develop a high-performing in-house and outsourced CRES team to achieve excellence.
Governance and Risk Management
- Establish strong governance frameworks within markets to ensure compliance with Diageo’s standards and policies.
- Identify and manage real estate-related risks across the region.
- Set up and lead steering groups in each market for oversight of major initiatives.
Performance Measurement and Reporting
- Measure, track, and report on key performance indicators for real estate and facilities management.
- Provide timely updates to the Global Head of CRES and regional executives.
- Champion and codify best practices in CRES execution and share them across markets.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Serve as the regional ambassador for Global CRES, showcasing innovation and success stories.
- Cultivate positive and productive relationships with market stakeholders, peers, suppliers, and industry networks.
- Influence decision-makers and advocate for impactful and sustainable workplace strategies.
Core Competencies and Experience Required
- Proven ability to align with and influence senior stakeholders across functions and regions.
- Strong leadership background with over 10 years of experience in corporate real estate services or related fields.
- Expertise in managing IFM (Integrated Facilities Management) services across diverse property types including offices and manufacturing sites.
- Experience in strategic supplier management and performance metric design.
- Proven success in leading regional sustainability programmes related to water, waste, and carbon reduction.
- Robust understanding of CRES governance, compliance, and risk management practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to drive organizational change.
- Strong project management and execution skills in a cross-functional, multinational environment.
Why Join Diageo?
At Diageo, our purpose is to Celebrate Life, Every Day, Everywhere. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves. We believe that diversity is the cornerstone of creativity and innovation. That’s why we welcome individuals from all walks of life and champion the unique experiences, perspectives, and talents each person brings to our teams.
Our ambition is to become the best performing, most trusted, and most respected consumer products company in the world. If you’re ready to be a part of a transformative journey — where your work directly impacts how millions of people across Africa experience life’s most memorable moments — then Diageo is the place for you.
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Diageo proudly celebrates diversity in all its forms. We are committed to ensuring our teams reflect the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. Our inclusive culture is built to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging, recognition, and value.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through the official Diageo careers platform. Join a globally renowned company that is shaping the future of workplaces across Africa.
