Workplace Ops Manager

Summary

Leads departmental and cross-departmental space planning and relocation projects with responsibility for managing scope, risk, business value, schedule and budget. Defines project objectives to be accomplished, develops the project plan, and serves as subject matter expert for department/division moves or for specialized assignments such as systems administration for facility planning systems. Contributes to the formulation of short and long-term facilities space utilization plans which link to objectives of overall corporate plan, including the review and establishment of workplace standards. Negotiates between client area and division to balance the needs of the project and customer while applying municipal codes, ADA requirements and other aspects of design affecting functionality, health and safety. Develops strong relationships with clients and/or vendor to manage project expectations and implementations. Responsible for some project management activities such as monitoring of timing, costs, and non-facility planning personnel assignments.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads departmental and cross-departmental space planning and relocation projects to meet business needs by taking a lead designer role on special projects to create inspiring and innovative spaces to drive employee engagement and creativity.
• Leads project-related objectives with defined company objectives to independently determine and execute a financially responsible course of action.
• Participates in strategic space planning for Home Office facilities; takes long range approach to all projects including investigating growth patterns and business influences; understands business goals and strategies, incorporates that knowledge into achieving project goals.
• Serves as subject matter expert on projects and leads, develops and administers guidelines for design standards, furniture standards, workspace best practices.
• Contributes to the formulation of short and long-term facilities space utilization plans which link the objectives of facility planning and various departments with that of the overall corporate plan.
• Oversees data metrics.  Responsible for data governance process and structure related to space utilization, vacancies, and churn rate.  Track and report benchmarking data and utilizing BOMA and other similar best practices standards.
• Independently plans, develops and implements interior space changes to maximize space utilization and customer productivity requirements, which includes direction of internal and contracted relocation teams and coordination of trades personnel in determining electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and cooling requirements.
• Places orders, monitors spend, and coordinates delivery and installation timing of project.
• Conducts field inventories, inspects installation sites, and performs post relocation follow-ups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in interior design or a related field or a significant amount of directly-related work experience beyond the minimum required for the position.
• Four years of experience in corporate space planning, systems furniture applications and research and specification of corporate furniture and finish standards required.
• Must possess a mastery of programming skills and performing needs assessments and demonstrated ability to manage large projects.
• Comprehensive understanding of the work processes and software programs used by the facility planning team, including AutoCAD and Office suite software programs.
• Demonstrated understanding of municipal codes, ADA requirements and other aspects of design affecting health and safety required.
• Work experience must include demonstration of leadership, analytical ability, superior verbal and written communication skills, as well as sound decision making abilities.
• A demonstrated ability to perform complex tasks in a fast-paced work environment is required, as well as a high degree of self-motivation with proven initiative in accepting responsibility for both results and contributing positively to team goals.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and exercise tact, diplomacy, resourcefulness and understanding to provide service to customers at all levels.
• Must maintain a high degree of discretion relative to confidential information.
• Knowledge of CAFM preferred.

#LI-hybrid

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please c lick here for additional information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.