Director, Corporate Real Estate

Municipalities are the closest level of government to the public and employees take pride in making Halifax the best it can be. A municipal public servant makes a difference in the lives of over 400,000 people in the Halifax region. If you are committed to public service, have a desire to learn, grow, and give back to the community through your work, you may be the right fit for our organization. Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent position of Director, Corporate Real Estate in Property, Fleet, and Environment. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting on the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application. About Opportunity: Reporting to the Executive Director of Property, Fleet and Environment, the Director, Corporate Real Estate provides leadership to Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) Corporate Real Estate management unit, as well as support to the Executive and Council. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and stewardship across a full range of real estate services, including leasing, accommodation management, industrial land development and the acquisition and disposal of properties. The Director ensures high quality, customer‑focused service delivery through the application of innovative policies and procedures that optimize the use of municipal resources. The Director provides guidance to the clients and project managers on the best approach and real estate methods, oversees the planning and delivery of the industrial park program and corporate accommodations. This position is accountable for the effective execution of a high volume of real estate transactions each year ensuring work is completed on time and within budget. The Director also supports HRM business units in identifying both long‑term and short‑term land and accommodation needs and integrating these requirements into the municipality’s 10‑year plan. The role requires independent judgement, technical expertise, and the ability to operate with minimal supervision, exercising initiative, sound decision‑making, and a high level of fiduciary responsibility regarding financial transactions. This is a deadline‑driven position that demands comprehensive knowledge of property matters, real estate agreements, and financial standards and practices within a municipal environment. Key Responsibilities and Priorities: Strategic Real Estate & Land Planning: Develop long‑term strategies for industrial land supply and departmental land acquisition needs, integrating plans into HRM’s 10‑year capital program and guiding real property policy. Project & Risk Management: Lead and coordinate real estate projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within scope and budget, while applying strong risk‑management practices and maintaining proactive stakeholder communication. Leadership & Team Development: Provide effective leadership, coaching, and direction to a multi‑disciplinary team; promote innovation, customer service excellence, and high ethical and professional standards. Financial & Budget Oversight: Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and expenditures; review financial performance and recommend corrective actions as needed. Stakeholder Relations & Reporting: Prepare technical and council reports, conduct presentations, liaise with the public and other agencies, and maintain strong working relationships across HRM. Regulatory Compliance & Negotiation: Ensure a safe, compliant workplace (OHS, WHMIS) and act as senior negotiator for property agreements and transactions. The Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate is a strong leader with a university degree in business or administration and recognized professional credentials in real estate management. They bring at least a decade of progressive management experience—ideally in a large, complex organization—and a strong track record in strategic planning. With a minimum of eight years overseeing real estate development, land management, sales, and commercial leasing across diverse portfolios, they possess deep knowledge of real estate markets, development practices, appraisal analysis, and contractual law. This candidate excels at building consensus, driving organizational change, and communicating effectively with senior leaders, elected officials, partners, and the public. They demonstrate strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving ability, and sound judgment, supported by proficiency with financial analysis, policy review, and digital tools. Their understanding of municipal, provincial, and federal regulations enables them to navigate complex governance environments with confidence. Overall, they are a collaborative, forward‑thinking professional capable of leading real estate strategy at the highest level. Skills and Attributes: Strategic Real Estate & Land Planning: Develop long‑term strategies for land supply and departmental real estate needs, and guide overall real property policy. Project & Portfolio Management: Oversee and coordinate major real estate projects to ensure delivery on time, within scope, and on budget. Leadership & Team Management: Provide strong leadership, coaching, and direction to a multi‑disciplinary professional team. Financial Oversight: Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, ensuring effective use of resources. Stakeholder & Council Engagement: Prepare reports and presentations for council, maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, and act as senior negotiator for property matters. How we do what we do: The core competencies needed for success in this role: Organizational Awareness Teamwork & Cooperation Decision Making Strategic Thinking and Innovation We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those applicants moving forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax Salary range for this position would be $128,850 - $157, 480 at NU-10 and work location is 88 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth For more information on this opportunity, please contact Dilruba Hussain at dilruba.hussain@halifax.ca or click “Apply to job” below to submit your application until 11:59 pm on January 27, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr