Country Real Estate Manager (China)

This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we've announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you'll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics-working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

Your Role and Responsibilities

The Real Estate function's objective is to effectively support ABB Robotics' business activities by securing the most efficient and profitable use of ABB Robotics' real estate facilities/assets. This requires local, professional real estate expertise, to ensure optimum results across all Business Areas and Divisions. The Real Estate Manager will work within a collaborative environment in the head office in Shanghai, China.

The role is based in Shanghai, China

You will be responsible for:

Strategic Alignment: Collaborate across all business teams to develop a Real Estate strategy and Masterplan that supports ABB Robotics' core business objectives and operational flexibility.

Portfolio Optimization: Create medium- and long-term plans to consolidate locations, reduce vacancies, and enhance facility usage through co-location and efficiency initiatives.

Project Leadership & Investment Oversight: Lead major development projects and ensure all real estate investments comply with ABB Robotics' policies and approval processes.

Financial & Asset Management: Manage the real estate function's financial performance, including P&L, cash flow, and asset accountability, while benchmarking and reporting occupancy costs.

Operational Excellence: Implement a Real Estate organization aligned with ABB's operating model, focusing on space efficiency, energy savings, facility service quality, and HSE compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance: Maintain strong relationships with Divisions and local authorities, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead HR-related responsibilities within the Real Estate function.

Qualifications for the Role:

Extensive Experience: Minimum of 8 years in corporate or global real estate, including facility management and handling distressed environmental properties.

Educational Background: Master's degree in real estate, engineering, business, or a related field.

Leadership & Change Management: Proven ability to lead, coach, and energize a distributed workforce, with strong change management capabilities.

Technical & Financial Expertise: Skilled in facility management, lease negotiations, occupancy cost analysis, lease accounting, and financial modeling (e.g. DCF, P&L).

Construction & Design Knowledge: Familiar with building systems and construction documents, enabling space and cost efficiency in projects.

Project & Organizational Skills: Capable of managing multiple projects within time and budget constraints, while collaborating across functions to support corporate goals.

Communication & Language Skills: Inspiring leader with international perspective; fluent in English (speaking and writing), with additional languages considered a strong asset.

What's in it for you?

We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You'll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that's tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.

We invest in our people with benefits that go beyond the basics because your future matters.

More about us

ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots and robot software, equipment, and complete application solutions. We are a trusted partner who continues to redefine robotics automation, focusing on collaborative solutions that allow humans to work safely alongside robots without the need for barriers.