Director, Real Estate

Job description

Application close date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed. At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations. The Director of Real Estate will lead the strategic planning, acquisition, disposition, lease administration, and portfolio management of Blue Origin's real estate assets across its national and global footprint. This role is responsible for establishing the frameworks, processes, and governance structures needed to manage a complex, high-growth real estate portfolio in support of Blue Origin's mission to enable millions of people to live and work in space. The Director will serve as the enterprise real estate subject matter expert, partnering closely with executive leadership, Finance, Legal, Construction, Facilities, Operations, and Business Intelligence to ensure real estate decisions are data-driven, financially sound, and aligned with long-term organizational strategy. The role is accountable for portfolio optimization, lease and transaction management, capital planning, vendor and broker relationships, and compliance with applicable real estate regulations and obligations. Success Measured The role should prioritize: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Blue Origin's current real estate portfolio while developing standardized KPIs, scorecards, and executive reporting for real estate performance, cost, and utilization to improve executive visibility into real estate obligations, upcoming expirations, market exposure, and capital requirements Establish processes for vetting future requirements and financial impacts for leadership support; toll gates established during the due diligence and requirements-definition phases — before engaging in site searches — will be key in managing resources aligned to enterprise growth objectives and operational requirements Strengthen collaboration across Facilities, Maintenance, Security, Construction, Finance, Legal, Government Relations, Operations, and Information Technology Identify and execute portfolio optimization opportunities, including lease consolidations, dispositions, and strategic acquisitions Build and develop a high-performing real estate team and selected vendor partners capable of supporting Blue Origin's accelerating growth Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a long-term real estate strategy aligned with Blue Origin's mission, operational footprint, and workforce growth plans Assess ambiguity in operational requirements to develop long-term flexibility in the portfolio Partner with executive leadership to anticipate space needs and translate organizational priorities into real estate solutions Lead strategic portfolio planning, including site selection, market analysis, build-versus-lease evaluations, and long-range capital planning Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing real estate team capable of supporting a complex, multi-site, high-growth organization Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on real estate market conditions, risks, and opportunities Monitor industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and regulatory changes that may impact Blue Origin's real estate strategy Portfolio & Transaction Management Oversee all real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, lease negotiations, renewals, terminations, and subleases Ensure all transactions are structured to minimize cost and risk while maximizing long-term flexibility and value, through close engagement with Finance and Legal Establish and manage a national broker network and external real estate advisory relationships Lead due diligence processes for new site acquisitions and portfolio dispositions Lease Administration & Compliance Implement and govern a centralized lease administration system ensuring accurate, up-to-date records of all lease obligations, incentive agreements, critical dates, and financial commitments Ensure compliance with lease covenants, landlord obligations, and applicable local, state, and federal real estate regulations Partner with Finance to ensure proper lease accounting treatment in alignment with ASC 842 and internal financial reporting requirements Develop and manage the payment and reconciliation of rent and CAM charges due across all lease agreements Financial Management & Planning Develop and manage the real estate capital and operating budget, ensuring cost discipline and financial accountability Partner with Finance to model and report total cost of occupancy, space utilization, and portfolio financial performance Identify and execute cost reduction and optimization opportunities across the portfolio Provide executive-level financial reporting on real estate expenditures, commitments, and forecasts Support capital project planning by providing real estate due diligence, site feasibility analysis, incentive opportunities, and entitlement assessments Process Improvement & Operational Excellence Establish governance frameworks, standard operating procedures, and decision-making criteria for real estate transactions and portfolio management Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive efficiency and consistency across real estate operations Implement scalable systems and tools to support portfolio growth and improve operational performance Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align real estate processes with broader enterprise operational standards while identifying ambiguity in space needs and timing Business Intelligence & Performance Management Develop enterprise real estate KPIs and performance measurement frameworks covering portfolio utilization, cost per square foot, transaction velocity, lease compliance, and capital deployment Partner with Business Intelligence and Information Technology to deliver executive dashboards and reporting solutions supporting data-driven real estate decisions Establish consistent data standards and governance practices across all real estate systems and platforms Monitor portfolio performance and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and governing boards Drive accountability through transparent reporting and measurable outcomes Leadership & Collaboration Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the real estate function Lead organizational change initiatives that support a maturing, data-driven real estate function Communicate complex real estate findings and recommendations in clear, actionable business terms to executive leadership Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Construction Management, or a related field 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial/corporate real estate, with demonstrated expertise in portfolio management, transactions, and lease administration 5+ years of experience leading high-performing real estate teams within complex, multi-site organizations Proven track record of negotiating and executing large, complex real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, and long-term leases Strong understanding of real estate financial analysis, total cost of occupancy modeling, and capital planning Experience with lease accounting standards (ASC 842) and real estate financial reporting Demonstrated experience developing executive-level reporting, KPIs, and performance management frameworks Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and organizational transformation Excellent executive communication, negotiation, and presentation skills Preferred Master's degree (MBA, MS Real Estate, MPA, or related field) Real estate licensure or professional certifications (e.g., CCIM, SIOR, MCR, CPM) Experience in aerospace, national defense, aviation, heavy manufacturing, or other complex operational environments with specialized facility requirements Experience implementing integrated workplace management systems (IWMS), lease administration platforms, or enterprise real estate technology solutions Familiarity with government property, federal contracting, and real estate compliance requirements Culture Statement Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Export Control Regulations Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background Check Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training. Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical Benefits Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program. Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week) Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details. Equal Employment Opportunity Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here . Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.