Vice President, Global Real Estate and Workplace

About the Role

Navan is looking for a Vice President of Global Real Estate and Workplace to oversee the strategy, management, and continuous development of its worldwide real estate holdings and workplace experience. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role collaborates with Finance, People, and executive teams to ensure workplace environments enable scalable business growth while delivering superior employee experiences. This position balances employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship to create collaborative, innovative, and high-performing spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a global real estate and workplace strategy aligned with Navan's business objectives, growth plans, and workforce strategies.
• Act as a trusted advisor on portfolio strategy, workplace investments, site planning, and capacity forecasting.
• Develop scalable, adaptable workplace solutions that address evolving business needs.
• Continuously seek opportunities to optimize operations, improve employee experience, and maximize workplace investment returns.
• Manage Navan's global real estate portfolio, including lease negotiations, transaction management, site selection, occupancy planning, and ongoing portfolio optimization.
• Balance operational needs, workplace experience, and financial performance to ensure real estate investments support company goals.
• Forge and maintain key partnerships with brokers, landlords, developers, and external stakeholders to support global growth.
• Deliver a consistent, hospitality-driven workplace experience that respects regional and cultural differences across Navan's global offices.
• Oversee workplace operations, facilities management, services, and support with a customer-centric approach.
• Collaborate with Finance, People, IT, Security, Legal, and business units to evolve workplace programs in line with organizational changes.
• Own the global operating and capital budgets for workplace functions, ensuring disciplined planning, forecasting, and investment decisions.
• Define and monitor portfolio metrics covering utilization, project delivery, financial results, and operational effectiveness.
• Lead through influence and vendor partnerships to achieve exceptional outcomes while maintaining a lean operational model.
• Ensure global compliance with regulatory, safety, and sustainability standards across all Navan locations.

Candidate Profile

• More than 12 years of leadership experience in corporate real estate, workplace management, facilities, portfolio strategy, or capital projects within global, high-growth companies.
• Proven track record developing and executing real estate strategies aligned with business priorities and workforce dynamics.
• Comprehensive expertise in portfolio strategy, commercial real estate transactions, workplace operations, design and construction, occupancy planning, and services.
• Strong financial skills managing substantial operating and capital budgets, investment analysis, and executive collaboration.
• Demonstrated capability to build, lead, and develop teams through periods of growth, ambiguity, and change.
• Strategic, commercially focused leader with a proactive attitude, excellent judgment, agility, and consistent results in fast-paced environments.
• Customer-centric mindset valuing workplace as a service function and committed to outstanding employee experiences.
• Exceptional communication skills and executive presence enabling influence and trusted relationships with senior leaders.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, real estate, finance, architecture, engineering, facilities management, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing global real estate and workplace in late-stage technology or similarly dynamic companies.
• Proven success navigating geographically diverse portfolios supporting hybrid work models.
• Relevant professional certifications in corporate real estate, facilities management, project management, or related disciplines.
• Experience using workplace technology and analytics to drive portfolio performance and service excellence.

Additional Details

This position involves regular domestic and international travel to support Navan's global offices. The role offers a salary range of $205,200 to $456,000 USD, subject to change based on candidate qualifications, location, and business requirements. Navan values a workplace policy that encourages in-person collaboration; employees are expected to work from the office four days per week. The company provides an inclusive culture, competitive benefits aligned to local needs, and a strong focus on employee well-being and growth.

Equal Opportunity

Navan is committed to equal employment opportunity without discrimination based on any protected characteristic or status.