Regional Head of Real Estate and Workplace Services

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

Purpose of Role:

To lead and manage all aspects of the real estate portfolio and workplace services within the designated region, ensuring alignment with global standards, optimizing cost-effectiveness, fostering a safe, inspirational and performance enhancing work environment, and supporting the company's strategic objectives. This includes full financial accountability for the region's real estate and workplace services.

What you'll be doing:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the regional real estate and workplace services strategy, aligned with global directives and regional business needs.
• Portfolio Management: Oversee the entire regional real estate portfolio, including acquisitions, disposals, lease management, and space optimization.
• Financial Management: Manage the regional real estate and workplace services budget, ensuring cost control, accurate forecasting, and efficient resource allocation. Full P&L responsibility for the region.
• Workplace Services Delivery: Ensure the delivery of high-quality workplace services, including facilities management, maintenance, security, catering, and other employee amenities.
• Project Delivery: Oversee the successful implementation of real estate and workplace projects within the region, working closely with the in-region Programme Manager.
• HSSE Compliance: Ensure adherence to all Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) standards and regulations across all regional properties and operations. Provide data and reporting as required.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with key vendors and service providers, ensuring performance against agreed-upon service levels and contracts.
• Team Leadership: Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team of real estate and workplace professionals.
• Global Standard Implementation: Drive the implementation of global real estate and workplace standards, policies, and best practices within the region.
• Sustainability: Ensure compliance with all WPP’s global sustainability goals and reporting.
• Data and Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting on key real estate and workplace metrics.

Competencies:

• Digital Dexterity: Proficient in using technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in real estate and workplace management.
• Collaboration: Excellent ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and the global real estate team.
• Critical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address complex real estate and workplace challenges.
• Developing Self (Learning to Learn): Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of real estate and workplace management.
• Curiosity, Creativity and Innovation: Ability to identify and implement innovative solutions to improve workplace efficiency and employee experience.
• Change Management: Proven ability to lead and manage change initiatives effectively.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills to motivate, inspire, and develop a high-performing team.
• Stakeholder Management and Business Partnership: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strategic Business Acumen: Understanding of the company's business strategy and how real estate and workplace services can support its objectives.
• Managing and Developing People: Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a team of professionals.
• Responsible Procurement: Understanding of ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
• Contract and Performance Management: Ability to manage contracts and monitor vendor performance against agreed-upon service levels.
• Contract Development: Experience in developing and negotiating real estate and workplace service contracts.
• Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms with landlords, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Managing Supplier Relationships: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Strategic Sourcing: Experience in developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies for real estate and workplace services.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in real estate and workplace management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing a large and diverse real estate portfolio.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• In-depth knowledge of real estate laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Experience in managing large-scale real estate and workplace projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience working in a global organization is preferred.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFM, CPM) are a plus.
• Experience of working with a programme management team.
• Experience of implementing global standards across a region.
• Experience of working with HSSE teams.
• Experience of working to deliver ESG programmes.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: We are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

 

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

#LI-Onsite

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

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