The Head of Corporate Real Estate Services (CRES) Operations for Africa is responsible for delivering operational excellence across Diageo's estate in the region, which currently spans 9 countries, including 9 offices, 12 manufacturing sites, and various other properties. This pivotal role focuses on optimizing cost, reducing carbon footprint, and enhancing the overall workplace experience in alignment with Diageo’s Brand Standards.
Purpose of the Role
Outstanding Relationships
- Develop and maintain trusted, productive relationships with business and market collaborators, Global/Regional CRES teams, and key personnel at Facilities Management (FM) and other partners.
- Actively participate in stakeholder and team meetings, contributing subject matter expertise and insight.
- Build strong networks to gain market intelligence and function as an ambassador for CRES in the region, regularly showcasing successes and innovations through effective stakeholder engagement.
CRES Facilities Management Performance & Outcomes
- Ensure IFM (Integrated Facilities Management) and operational delivery optimizes cost, carbon, and workplace experience in line with Diageo’s Brand Standards.
- Be responsible for all FM activities, including maintenance, fire safety, mechanical and electrical systems, help desk services, minor projects, moves and changes, and environmental safety compliance.
- Own and manage IFM Opex budgets for the region, driving efficiencies and delivering measurable cost savings.
- Coordinate site operations to maintain continuity of property services with minimal disruption to Diageo’s business operations, including local Landlord engagement.
- Ensure full compliance with supplier systems and Diageo’s processes to meet health and safety obligations.
- Lead delivery of sustainability targets across waste, water, and carbon.
- Design, develop and deliver FM programmes to support consolidation, change, or growth initiatives, including the rollout of our Workplace Brand Standards.
Team and Third Parties
- Supervise and optimise delivery of key supplier FM contracts, ensuring business needs are met and value is maximised.
- Lead day-to-day operational issues and customer concerns, ensuring effective resolution and continuous improvement.
Governance, Risk, Performance Measurement & Reporting
- Share, embed, and codify standard methodologies in CRES activities across the region.
- Ensure full compliance with CRES standards and policies, taking ownership of all regional Health & Safety and FM risks.
- Measure and report on FM metrics to Regional CRES and other key partners.
- Establish steering groups within markets and hold them accountable for governance, decision-making, and successful delivery of change projects.
Success in this role will be achieved through exceptional stakeholder relationships, operational delivery that optimises cost, carbon and workplace experience, and a relentless focus on seamless service and efficiency. You will lead with both strategic foresight and operational rigor, ensuring our workplaces enable the best of Diageo today and into the future.
CRES Excellence
Diageo CRES mission is to help enable our ambition by creating inclusive and balanced workplaces that enhance connections and inspire our colleagues to do their best work. This is achieved by Living Our Values and Dial Up Behaviours:
- Be Externally Curious
- Collaborate Efficiently
- Experiment and Learn
- Act Decisively
Capabilities, Skills & Experience Requirements:
- Ability to align with and influence key partners with potentially conflicting priorities and to effectively connect with/challenge senior stakeholders.
- Strong experience of managing FM services across a range of buildings / locations – offices and supply.
- At least 5-10 years management experience in FM related function.
- Experience in and / or a good understanding of Diageo or equivalent organisation.
- Highly self-motivated and pro-active with effective communication skills.
- Proven track record in an ability to work with others, both within CRES and across an organisation.
- Proven track record in change and programme management.
- Experience in the strategic management of FM services and suppliers across markets.
- Understanding of Supplier and CRES FM performance metrics and communication thereof.
- Experience of managing regional Sustainability programmes/targets across the CRES lifecycle.
- Awareness and management of CRES Risk and governance.
