Director, Real Estate Transactions

Director, Real Estate Transactions

Facilities & Real Estate plans and directs facility maintenance and food services as well as real estate activities including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing and property development. Real Estate Transactions negotiates all property acquisition, disposition lease administration and lease agreements. This job family develops strategies for site locations and availability and makes recommendations for the acquisition and disposal of properties. This job family ensures proper documentation of lease or purchase transactions and manages relationships with outside vendors, consultants, and relevant local community/government groups.

Our Transaction Management team assists with the creation and implementation of strategic real estate plans that support core business processes by aligning the management of real estate portfolio to the overall business objectives. By leveraging data and market insights, the team supports the business to make informed decisions and optimize negotiations when we acquire, renew and dispose real estate.

The Director, Real Estate Transactions will lead and execute Cardinal Health's real estate transaction strategy across a diverse global portfolio exceeding 33 million square feet. This includes over 800+ locations spanning distribution centers, manufacturing sites, flex spaces, service offices, R&D and offices. The role is responsible for managing complex lease negotiations, acquisitions, renewals, dispositions, and strategic real estate initiatives that align with the company's operational and financial goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end real estate transactions including site selection, lease negotiations, renewals, terminations, and property acquisitions/dispositions globally
• Partner with Corporate Real Estate, Construction, Risk, Legal, Finance, and Business Units to align real estate decisions with enterprise strategy, optimizing cost, flexibility, and operational efficiency.
• Work with external brokers, legal counsel, and consultants to ensure timely, cost-effective, and risk-mitigated execution of real estate deals.
• Collaborate with Operations, Legal, and Finance to support business growth, consolidations, and network optimization.
• Leverage real estate analytics and market intelligence to inform transaction strategy and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvement.
• Ensure all transactions comply with internal controls, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Obtain internal financial approvals per policy prior to lease execution.
• Develop and coach one direct report.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, or related field preferred. MBA or JD a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate real estate, with a focus on industrial, office, and manufacturing transactions preferred. Medical office experience is a plus.
• Proven track record managing large-scale, multi-site portfolios.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with complex lease and purchase agreements.
• Familiarity with real estate legal documentation and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership skills.
• Experience in healthcare distribution is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with strong financial acumen.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Experience with real estate technology platforms (e.g., CoStar).
• Ability to travel up to as much as 25% of the time.
• Ability to maintain a regular presence in Dublin, OH HQ.

What is expected of you and others at this level

• Utilizes broad and deep knowledge to develop innovative new business practices, policies and procedures
• Contributes to the development of department strategy
• Works on or may lead highly complex projects of large scope
• Projects are typically cross-functional and have significant and long-term impact
• Provides solutions which set precedent
• Negotiates complex or risky technical business issues on behalf of the company
• Independently defines project establishes budgets identifies participants and mitigates risk
• Consults with management to determine project objectives with long-term implications
• Acts as a mentor to less experienced colleagues

Anticipated salary range: $116,500 - $188,055

Bonus eligible: Yes

Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan
• Health savings account (HSA)
• 401k savings plan
• Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Work-Life resources
• Paid parental leave
• Healthy lifestyle programs

Application window anticipated to close: 10/1/25 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.

The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.

Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.