My client, a global law firm, are looking to recruit a Global Facilities Director. The role is responsible for managing the firm’s footprint across offices, ensuring the property portfolio supports the firm’s operational and strategic plans, with a focus on commercial lease management, negotiation, and strategic real estate planning.
The successful Global Facilities Director will be an experienced Facilities or Real Estate leader with excellent understanding of commercial lease structures, landlord negotiations, global property markets, and the operational demands of a large professional services environment.
The Global Facilities Director will act in a leadership capacity managing a global, cross jurisdictional team to oversee global projects and fostering collaboration across Business Services teams.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the global Facilities team and set the strategic direction in line with the firm’s overall goals
- Promote a culture of excellence, responsiveness, and continuous improvement within the Facilities function
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Regional Leads, Office Managers and Facilities coordinators
- Partner with HR, IT, Risk, and Partners to plan space allocations, workplace design and future growth needs
- Lead cross-functional project teams through office openings, refits, relocations, and refurbishment projects.
- Lead lease negotiations for new office space, renewals, and space optimisation initiatives across multiple jurisdictions
- Manage and review all commercial lease agreements for the firms global real estate
- Negotiate service contracts, and vendor agreements to secure the best terms for the firm
- Foster strong relationships with landlords, contractors, and service providers to facilitate effective negotiations
- Lead in planning and delivery of all office moves globally, including expansions, refurbishments, reconfigurations, and new office openings
- Stay updated with all property related compliance and ensure they are adhered to throughout the firm.
- Oversee the management of the firm’s facilities, including but not limited to, storage, maintenance, cleaning, catering, post, print, records, copiers and stationery and couriers
- Work closely with Local Managing Partners and COO to ensure strategic alignment and cost-effective Facilities Management solutions
- Set and manage the Global Facilities budget ensuring expenditure is in line with the approved budget and analyse costs throughout the budget year
- Produce reporting for the executive group on costs and performance metrics
- Deliver facilities projects in line with the firm’s strategic plan.
EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrable experience managing high-end premises, facilities, and support services within a professional services environment
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of motivating and managing teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
- Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
- Ability to think and act independently
- Ability to be resilient, dealing effectively with changes to plans
- Excellent understanding of working in a commercial environment including the identification of commercial risk and providing high level commercial advice to stakeholders at all levels
- Confident communicator with strong influencing skills and stakeholder management experience
- Strong understanding of Facilities Management best practices and supplier management.
GENERAL
- Maintain the high standard of service offered to the Firm’s internal clients and to assist in creating and developing the professional reputation of the department
- Understand and adopt firm values – approachable, straightforward, supportive and distinctive Be subject to varying degrees of supervision on a day-to-day basis
- Create and maintain professional and positive relationships with staff, clients and other employees
- Work in line with the Firm’s Contribution Areas which are specific to your role and level
- Maintain trust and confidentiality at all times
- Act as a Trusted Advisor by building relationships across business services to ensure a consistent approach and service
- Undertake any specific training as and when required by the HR Department, supervisor or Partners of the firm
- Operate safely and considerately in the workplace.
