Director, Real Estate Operations

A career at TransLink and our family of companies means working with people with a wide range of skills and perspectives, all teaming up towards a common goal: preserving and enhancing the region's world-envied quality of life. Together, we connect the region and enhance its livability by providing a sustainable transit and transportation network, embraced by our communities and people. At TransLink we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace, recognizing the unique value and skills every individual brings. Looking for a great place to work where your contributions are valued, and you can make a difference in a vibrant city? At TransLink, one of BC’s Top Employers, you'll help make Metro Vancouver a better place to live, built on transportation excellence. Put your future in motion Responsibilities PRIMARY PURPOSE Provides strategic direction and leadership for real property assets required for Operations and Capital Projects including acquisition, leasing, divestiture, facilities and property management. This role is responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide real estate strategies, building and maintaining key partnerships, negotiating and managing complex agreements, and ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory obligations. The Director also leads risk mitigation efforts, oversees expropriation and claims management, and represents TransLink in sensitive community and legal matters, all while supporting the organization’s mission and optimizing value through best practices. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Develops and provides strategic direction and leadership for business planning, budgeting and forecasting related to acquisitions, leasing, divestiture, property and facilities management functional areas. Develops and maintains effective relationships with key partners (internal and external) including other departments and operating companies, real estate developers, realtors, contractors, municipal staff private sector and government agencies, approval authorities, and potential counterparties such as home & business owners, lawyers, claimants. Represents TransLink in community/public consultations, public hearings and potential litigation proceedings, community at large and community groups and the Board/Board committee meetings; manages and mitigates politically sensitive issues. Establishes strategic partnerships with private and public entities in creating and achieving value optimization and best practices to support the division’s mission and objectives. Ensures exemplary care throughout entire process while preserving and enhancing the reputation of TransLink. Leads development & implementation of enterprise-wide Real Estate strategies and acquisitions of Real Estate required for Operations and/or Major Capital Projects including budgets and resources required to meet TransLink’s mandate and project delivery schedule; develops and employs risk mitigation strategies for Real Estate operations. Develops and delivers strategies for acquisition; overseeing expropriation proceedings providing direction to legal counsel, experts and professionals when required. Leads expropriation claims management negotiation and settlements with claimants (governments, non-profits, businesses, individuals, etc.) and manages settlement of expropriation claims including litigation and court testimony. Sets strategy to mitigate and minimize (where possible) and subsequently brings to closure all allowable expropriation claims (ie: business losses, asset impairments, damages, disturbance) in particular, the expanded definition of “Injurious Affection” (as per the result of Supreme Court of Canada ruling). Negotiates manages and administers long term (multi-decade) agreements between TransLink and other governmental agencies. Ensures accurate reporting (such as revenue & cost sharing and, financial, and other reports) is carried out on a regular basis and leads cross enterprise integration to adequately maintain (multi-billion dollar) contracts. Actively follows up on obligations (such as formal notices) related to the agreements (such as the Expo and Millennium Line Use Agreements). Oversees pre-project real estate initiatives on major infrastructure & capital projects such as feasibility studies, financials, property estimates, business valuations, expropriation risk assessments, expropriation claims & settlement assessments, etc. through to implementation, delivery and close-out (including litigation). Negotiates complex, high risk, real estate transactions and subsequent management of contracts through to implementation and close-out. Advises TransLink senior management, executive, and Board/Board Committee on strategies to conclude highly-sensitive (and high-risk) issues as required. Drives major cost-savings to capital projects through strategic program planning, project sequencing, work plan development, acquisition strategy, and value-engineering opportunity identification. Presents related reports to the Board, Executive and Senior Management ensuring all relevant documentation is consistent with legislation. Provides expert advice to project directors or other project owners on real estate related issues. Ensures department’s processes, procedures and systems are kept up-to-date and adequate compliance is maintained by internal and external parties; develops new processes where required and obtains appropriate approvals prior to implementation. Manages a multi-disciplinary team of internal staff, contractors and experts. Provides expertise in selection, coaching, development, performance management and all other people management responsibilities. Qualifications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE The competencies for this job are typically acquired through a degree in a related discipline (e.g. real estate, urban land economics, property management, business, commerce, economics etc.) or equivalent along with a real estate designation such as RI (BC) plus 10 years’ experience in real estate and rights of way and expropriation. A combination of education and experience will also be considered. OTHER REQUIREMENTS A professional accreditation in a related field such as Notary, AACI or CPM will be an asset Expert knowledge of the concepts, methods, and best practices of real estate portfolio management, expropriation, development, contract development/negotiation/management, and real estate transaction management Expert knowledge of expropriation legislation and expropriation claims management Advanced knowledge of real estate, common and contract law Advanced business acumen with excellent negotiation skills Advanced conflict management and resolutions skills with strong interpersonal, relationship management skills Solid innovative and creative thinking skills to identify potential opportunities and achieving desired outcomes Excellent knowledge of transit or transportation industry or related major infrastructure delivery pertaining to real estate operations, maintenance, and engineering issues Solid financial, analytical skills and presentation skills Must hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License Other Information Recruitment Process: An applicant will be required to demonstrate their suitability for this position by meeting the minimum level of qualifications and experience in order to be invited into the selection process. A standard interview format will be used including general, scenario and behavioural descriptive interview questions. Work Schedule 37.5 hours per week. Work Designation Hybrid This position offers the flexibility of working both on-site and remotely within B.C. Rate of Pay The salary for this position ranges from $175,200 - $262,800 per annum. Actual salary offered will be based on education, experience, skills, and qualifications as they relate to the role. We aim to provide competitive pay that reflects your professional background and expertise. We want to ensure our offer will align with your strengths considering experience, skills, and internal equity to offer a fair and equitable salary. The Total Compensation Package, which includes Extended Health, Dental, Transit Pass and enrollment in the Public Service Pension Plan as well as other employment offerings will be discussed in detail as your application progresses. How to Apply Please click the 'Apply' button at the top right corner of the page or go to to apply for this position and view instructions on the process. INSTRUCTIONS: Please save your (1) cover letter, and your (2) resume as one pdf document prior to uploading your application on-line. Closing Date: Open until filled Please note that only those short listed will be contacted. Having trouble applying? Please view the System Requirements & FAQ's by going to . Equal Employment Opportunity TransLink is committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce, representative of the customers we serve and the many communities in the Metro Vancouver region. We welcome and encourage Indigenous applicants, people of colour, all genders, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities to apply. Learn more about TransLink's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 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