Manager, Business Development (Real Estate)

Purpose:

The role holder is responsible for identifying and procurement of new businesses/schools.

Key Responsibilities:

Functional

DEAL SOURCING & MARKET INTELLIGENCE

• Proactively identify and evaluate Build-to-Suit (BTS), Brownfield, and M&A opportunities for new school campuses across the APAC region
• Conduct market mapping and feasibility studies for target geographies, covering real estate trends, capitalization rates, and competitive landscape
• Research regulatory environments, licensing requirements, and government policies related to establishing international schools in different markets
• Monitor emerging trends in both the education and real estate sectors to surface new opportunities ahead of the market

STAKEHOLDER & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Build and maintain a strong regional network of real estate developers, investors, landlords, school owners, property consultants, and government representatives across Asia
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and external parties including legal counsel, architects, project managers, and valuation consultants
• Engage with government bodies and regulatory authorities on approvals, compliance, and school establishment requirements across multiple markets
• Represent the organisation at industry events, property expos, and networking forums to expand market presence

DEAL EXECUTION & NEGOTIATIONS

• Negotiations on commercial and technical specifications with landlords and developers, from initial discussions through to executed agreements
• Manage the preparation and execution of MOUs, term sheets, and tenancy/lease agreements in collaboration with legal teams
• Coordinate transaction due diligence, including property valuations, legal reviews, and commercial assessments
• Evaluate financial models and investment cases to support decision-making

PROJECT COORDINATION

• Track the full development lifecycle for BTS projects, coordinating with landlords, architects, interior designers, project managers, and contractors to ensure delivery to agreed specifications
• Track and manage multiple project pipelines simultaneously using CRM and project management tools (monday.com or equivalent)

REPORTING & STRATEGY

• Prepare market reports, opportunity briefs, and strategic presentations for senior leadership
• Consolidate external research and financial models into concise recommendations on market attractiveness and deal viability
• Contribute to the development of the organisation's regional expansion strategy and long-term growth pipeline

Interaction

• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders through the beginning phases of the project, from project initiation
• Maintain networks and relationships with internal and external partners at the working level to keep abreast of the current industry climate and macroeconomic trends

People Focus

• Collaborates proactively with team members to continuously increase competency within the team to meet future organizations needs through the procurement and development of businesses & projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree or above

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in business development with a good understanding of real estate projects in South East Asia.
• A good network of brokers will be added advantage
• Background in real estate leasing, brokerage, business development, project management will be an advantage

Work Schedule

• 5.5 days
• On-Site