Real Estate Transaction Specialist
Chicago, IL - USA
Job Summary
About Northern Trust
As a global leader in innovative wealth management asset servicing asset management and banking services Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the worlds most successful individuals families corporations and institutions.
Since 1889 we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service Expertise and Integrity. Together they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees whom we call partners and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.
With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24000 partners we serve the worlds most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.
Role/Department: Real Estate Transaction Specialist/Corporate Real Estate
Responsible for leading and executing real estate transactions within our office portfolio. This role ensures alignment with enterprise strategy cost optimization risk management and delivery of workplace objectives. Partnering closely with business units finance legal project management and facilities to deliver data-driven timely and compliant real estate decisions. Carries out complex initiatives with multiple disciplines and/or ambiguous issues. Displays a balanced cross-functional collaborative team centered perspective.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
1. Lead end-to-end on time execution of real estate transactions including:
Lease renewals renegotiations restructures
New site acquisitions and dispositions expansions contractions and early terminations
Develop and implement transaction goals aligned with portfolio and business objectives
Manage external brokers and advisors to ensure optimal negotiation outcomes
Oversee lease administration inputs critical dates and documentation accuracy
2. Financial Analysis & Deal Structuring:
Develop financial models comparing scenarios and alternative workplace strategies
Analyze total occupancy cost rent operating expenses capital exp and incentives
Prepare business cases and funding requests with clear ROI and risk factors
Benchmark deal terms and market conditions to support negotiation strategy
3. Stakeholder Management
Direct responsibility for developing governance meetings presentations documentation and materials in support of timely stakeholder management
Partner with business leaders to review space demand projections and operational needs
4. Collaborate with Workplace Services leadership for direction on enterprise alignment including:
Facilities Management (day to day issues property coordination and future improvements)
Project Management (for build-outs and delivery timelines)
Lease Administration Legal and Finance (Documentation critical dates etc)
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure transactions comply with internal policies approval processes and governance
Manage key risks including financial exposure lease obligations and timing dependencies
Maintain documentation for audits and internal reporting requirements
Skills/Qualifications:
Corporate real estate experience required with time spent inside a corporate organization as an -depth Functional / Industry Knowledge is required
Proven experience developing governance meetings presentations documentation and materials in support of stakeholder management. Highly flexible and adaptable to change
Understanding of lease administration lease audit lease compliance and financial reporting from the landlord and tenant perspective
Leadership and organizational skills are required to determine the Business Units goals
A College or University degree and/or relevant proven work experience is required and MBA or MCR preferred
Financial management of projects and contract and negotiation experience is required
**Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B L-1 TN O-1 E-3 H-1B1 F-1 J-1 OPT CPT or any other employment-based visa).
Working Model: Hybrid (#LI-Hybrid)
We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.
Salary Range:
$114700 - 194900 USDSalary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension) health and welfare benefits (medical dental vision spending accounts and disability) paid time off parental and caregiver leave life & accident insurance and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B L-1 TN O-1 E-3 H-1B1 F-1 J-1 OPT CPT or any other employment-based visa).
Working with Us
As a Northern Trust partner you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged senior leaders are accessible and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.
Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trusts history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.
Reasonable Accommodation
Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process please email our HR Service Center at or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Discover Northern Trust’s trusted financial services for individuals, families, and institutions. Guided by service, expertise, and integrity since 1889, we offer wealth management, asset servicing, and investment solutions tailored to your goals.