Title: Director, Global Real Estate Development (NJUS)
Columbus, OH, US, 43219
Join the NetJets Team
NetJets, the global private aviation leader for more than 60 years, provides the pinnacle of private travel, defined by a signature commitment to unwavering safety, personalized service, and reliable global access. Discover why NetJets is the ultimate career destination, offering exceptional benefits and growth opportunities.
Purpose of Position
The Global Real Estate Development Director is responsible for the successful delivery and oversight of all real estate development projects for NetJets Inc. and its affiliates. This role ensures that all projects are strategically aligned with organizational objectives while driving operational excellence across the entire lifecycle of development.
As a senior leader within the Corporate Real Estate Department, the Director provides both strategic leadership and hands-on execution in planning, feasibility, due diligence, design, construction, budgeting, and project delivery. The position requires balancing long-term planning with day-to-day execution to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and timely facilities that support global operations.
The Director leads and develops an internal team of project managers, construction managers, and design/architecture professionals, while also managing external partners worldwide. This position oversees a portfolio of 20+ active projects annually—varying in size, type, and global location—with an average annual capital spend of $100M + focused on developing terminals, hangars, aircraft ramps, offices, warehouses, and other commercial properties.
This role reports directly to the Vice President, Global Real Estate Development and works in close collaboration with the Airport Development team and other corporate functions to achieve enterprise goals.
Tasks and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Senior Vice President and Vice President to identify and pursue strategic global real estate development opportunities for assigned business units.
- Contribute to long-term real estate strategies, master planning, and other initiatives.
- Provide executive-level project reporting and periodic updates as necessary such as project costs, risks, milestones, key decisions, critical path items, supply chain (KPI tracking), key communications with stakeholders, and industry trends.
- Develop and implement best-in-class processes, methods, policies, tools, and standards for global real estate development projects.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives in real estate development delivery, processes, and technology.
- Project Oversight & Delivery
- Oversee the entire global real estate development portfolio for assigned business unit, ensuring projects meet budget, schedule, and quality standards.
- Manage end-to-end project lifecycle: site feasibility, due diligence, design, permitting, construction, FFE installations, turnover to business unit and closeout.
- Lead major projects as the Owner’s Representative, coordinating internal and external teams.
- Review and intake requests for new real estate leases/properties, apply judgment to assess feasibility and alignment with the business needs. Collaborate with the business unit to evaluate if the opportunity should move forward and then partner with Procurement to advance the process.
- Provide early-stage project planning, including delivery method selection, budget development, schedule forecasting, and contractor identification.
- Act as a key stakeholder in the design process to validate feasibility, constructability, and value engineering opportunities.
- Ensure comprehensive quality assurance and conduct post-occupancy evaluations.
- Direct and develop a high-performing internal team of project managers, construction managers, and design/architecture professionals.
- Establish clear goals, accountability, and performance measures for team members.
- Mentor, coach, and provide professional development opportunities to foster technical expertise and leadership growth.
- Ensure internal teams are aligned with corporate standards, policies, and strategic priorities.
- Promote collaboration across disciplines (procurement, real estate, design, construction, facilities) to achieve seamless project execution.
- Manage staffing levels and resource allocation to support global projects effectively.
- Prepare and manage budgets for all projects, detailing hard and soft costs and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- In connection with Finance support, provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting to leadership and finance teams.
- Identify, track, and communicate risks related to cost or schedule impacts, while driving mitigation strategies.
- Oversee authorization for expenditure (AFE), invoice approval, and cost coding.
- Provide financial benchmarking and forecasting for global projects.
- Contracting & Procurement
- Leads supplier/vendor selection, negotiations, bid/award processes, and onboarding in coordination with Procurement.
- Negotiate in tandem with Procurement all contracts with suppliers, vendors, and contractors, landlords ensuring favorable terms and compliance with policies.
- Provide final reviews of estimates, scope of work documents, and legal contracts.
- Support as needed with authorization for expenditure, contract approval, invoice approval and coding, etc.
- Analyze and implement appropriate contract methodologies (AIA and others)
Note:
It is not possible to list all required job duties on this form. There may be other important duties assigned, depending on the position. For a list of essential job functions, please refer to the essential functions document for this job.
Education
Certifications and Licenses
Years of Experience
Core Competencies
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other (KSAOs)
- Bachelors degree in Real Estate, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Finance or other related fields of study.
- Additional certifications or advanced degrees, such as Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Manager, Project Management Professional, Architect, Masters, a plus.
- Ability to pass airport background checks
- Valid driver’s license
- 15+ years professional experience in large-scale, ground-up commercial development managing all phases of development including: Planning/Budgeting, Contracts, Entitlements, Due Diligence, Design, Construction, Budget Management
- Prior management experience on development projects in excess of $20M
- International experience is a plus
- Experience working within an airport setting, aviation industry, or with government owned property is a plus
- Highly motivated team leader with strong organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully both independently and in a team environment
- Ability to prioritize and work effectively on multiple simultaneous tasks and projects
- Excellent ability to read construction drawings and schematics.
- Excellent understanding of the entire life cycle of the commercial real estate development process - construction permitting, scheduling, and quality control from a management perspective.
- Experience with all construction delivery methods “Design/Build, Plan and Spec, Design/Bid/Build, Design/Assist, etc.
- Experience dealing with local, state and federal law compliance
- Experience owning and managing department budgets
- Basic understanding of financial analysis models (ROI, LCC, NPV).
- Strong analytical and creative skills
- Intermediate to expert PC skills including an excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Auto CAD, Bluebeam and CAFM Schedule
- Strong understanding of contract negotiations and administration and familiarity with contract types.
- Knowledge of Auto-CAD, Revit, or BIM. Ability to modify, dimension, or space plan using AutoCAD a plus.
- Ability to interact with various levels of matrixed management in a professional manner.
- Capable of problem solving, independent thinking and decision making while delivering upon multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated agent of change, and skilled at balancing functional/departmental initiatives with local execution.
- Identifies opportunities and presents recommendations for continuous improvement.
- High regard for ethics.
- Ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, roles, responsibilities, and processes.
How NetJets Supports You
NetJets is proud to provide a variety of attractive benefits to our employees, including many at no cost. Employees have access to no cost options including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, with access to robust networks of nationwide providers. NetJets offers benefits so you can LIVEWELL—a comprehensive package to support your Mind, Body, and Life.
Our comprehensive suite of benefits include:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Healthcare Advocacy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contribution
• Wellness Programs & Discounts
• Paid Time Off
• Life and Accident Insurance
• Voluntary benefits (financial protection plans)
• 401(k) plan, with 66% of every dollar you contribute matched by NetJets
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan
• Identity Theft Protection Plans
• Pet Insurance
• Family & Caregiving Support
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Nearest Major Market: Columbus