Job Title

Director, Space Management, Planning & Occupancy

Job Description Summary

The role of the Director, SPO is to be responsible for all aspects of Space Management, Planning and Occupancy of a dedicated account team or within the Center of Excellence.
In addition, the Director, SPO leads a team of professionals responsible for translating business requirements into effective solutions aligned with the client workplace model and real estate strategy in the areas of space, occupancy planning, design, moves, FF&E and data management. This position is responsible for all space across the client’s portfolio. This includes defining immediate and long-term client goals concerning the management and oversight of occupancy and utilization analysis, support of strategy solution, recommendations for executable planning solutions and accurate real estate allocation reporting; maintaining a strong partnership with the client organization; and developing a robust SPO delivery organization that can adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This position ensures that all SPO deliverables are met including SLA and KPI requirements. This position will partner closely with all other service line directors to achieve account-level strategic objectives in a client-focused manner.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• Direct the overall planning and development of new spatial activities and the activities of current projects and programs
• Work closely with peers on the account leadership team, other service lines and client representatives with regard to proper staffing, future projects, and maintaining proper client relationships
• Prepare operational presentations and reports illustrating Space pipeline, progress, challenges, opportunities and recommendations. Conduct meetings with clients, Space team members and cross-functional account members to inform, consult, request action and seek approval with internal and client stakeholders.
• Participate in structuring the selection of the vendors and other professionals and advise client on final recommendations. Evaluate existing and proposed project sites and facilities with respect to program requirements. Ensure the resolution of programming issues through project completion. Conduct meetings with owners and project team members to resolve project issues during the project design development stages
• Ensure compliance with core program standards - all C&W tools, processes, templates and outputs standardized and customized to the client
• Demonstrate proactive solutioning through root cause analysis, solution development, evaluation of options and alternatives and recommendation of the best course of action for projects, processes and overall program operations
• Collaborate with facilities, PjM and client RE leadership for alignment and day to day operations.  Recommends adjustments to processes when mis-alignment is identified
• Makes recommendations to enhance operational efficiency & service delivery.  Ability to direct development of program tools and deliverables which accomplish recommended solutions.
• Oversees the maintenance of playbooks, templates and tools.
• Coaches the team in providing effective space planning solutions and move management delivery for all project types (Expansions, Relocations, Consolidations, Refreshes); client relationship management; vendor relationship management, talent management and resource utilization.
• Ability to direct the development of planning proposals, site assessments for space efficiencies, utilization metrics and supply & demand studies
• Ability to direct the delivery of project activities including relocations, restacks, renovations and consolidations
• Observe corporate policies and procedures. Implement government laws and regulations and adhere to established rulings of government authorities
• Maintain high qualitative and quantitative standards of work performance across the globe through regional leaders.
• Strive constantly to improve skills and work knowledge; keep up to date in the field of specialization
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve corporate goals and objectives as to quality, service, cost and profit
• Report to immediate supervisor(s) major problems and findings and results achieved with recommendations
• Provide leadership for recruiting, selection, onboarding and retainment of team members for space services including training, development, motivation and discipline for subordinates, as necessary, to meet established goals; review and appraise their work performance
• Socialize and obtain buy in for organizational changes, team commitments, and expenditures in excess of approved budget and for forecasted growth.
• Delegate to each necessary authority and responsibility for performance of assigned function
• Establish goals and objectives with timetables for the organizational unit and sub-units supervised
• Develop, present and maintain headcount budgets, forecasting and gearing ratios.
• Refine existing space services to meet potential client requirements. Communicate and promote these services to potential clients and to other Cushman & Wakefield professionals
• Responsible for overall client Business Partner and Product Area relationships. Meet regularly with client leads to evaluate team performance and identify areas for improvement. Track and utilize client feedback data to create continual improvement cycles.
• Ownership and accountability to develop and oversee the operational program budget and forecasting; evaluate period spend and apply corrective action as needed to maintain desired budget variance.

Key Competencies:

• Advanced to Expert skills in Excel
• Advanced skills in Adobe and Microsoft application suites in support of role function and broader Occupancy Planning as well as building presentations to present to executive level
• Advanced understanding of CAFM\IWMS (Serraview preferred) for Space Management
• Advanced relationship building skills
• Show strong verbal presentation skills, ability to communicate to executive level
• Possess analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills with a focus on the long term, strategic vision.
• Ability to process work quickly, accurately and with changing priorities
• Ability to effectively interpret and apply policy and procedure
• Basic understanding of Corporate Real Estate and Financial concepts
• Strong team player who is adaptable and capable of driving change / change management

Important Experience:

• 7+ Years Experience in Occupancy Planning or Strategic Planning

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline or field of study (i.e. Architecture, Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction Management, etc.) required