EMEA Operations Director

CBRE, Inc.; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions is seeking an EMEA Operations Director to lead end-to-end Integrated Facilities Management delivery across a high-profile portfolio. You will oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, workplace experience, business support and soft services to guarantee exceptional operational performance and client satisfaction.

The role requires a strategic operations leader adept at driving workplace transformation, mobilisations, and continuous improvement while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent executive-level experience.
• Demonstrated success in demanding corporate environments (Financial Services/Technology/Professional Services).
• Experience delivering complex regional mobilisations and change programmes across multiple EMEA jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-scope IFM operations across the EMEA portfolio, ensuring compliance, resilience, and delivery of contractual commitments while exceeding SLA/KPI targets.
• Drive portfolio transitions, site mobilisations, and workplace transformation projects across the region with account leadership and project teams.
• Act as operational partner to client real estate leaders, aligning delivery with business objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement via best-in-class processes, digital FM technologies, and sustainability programmes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop regional teams, overseeing recruitment, succession planning and performance management.
• Partner with finance to oversee budgets, optimise resources, and manage supplier performance and contractual matters.
• Promote CBRE's RISE values across client, colleague, and supplier interactions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Change management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365

CAFM platforms

Job description

Job Purpose

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions is a leading global provider of integrated facilities and corporate real estate management. We are recruiting an EMEA Operations Director to join our global team.

This role is ideal for an accomplished operational leader with a passion for innovation, workplace transformation, and service excellence. The EMEA Operations Director will oversee end-to-end Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) delivery across a high-profile EMEA portfolio for a leading Financial and Professional Services client, leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, workplace experience, business support, and soft services functions while ensuring exceptional operational performance and client satisfaction.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the delivery of full-scope IFM operations across the EMEA portfolio, ensuring statutory compliance, operational resilience, and successful delivery of contractual commitments while consistently exceeding SLA and KPI targets.
• Drive portfolio transitions, new site mobilisations, and workplace transformation projects across the region, partnering with account leadership and project teams to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.
• Act as a key operational partner to client real estate leaders, business unit stakeholders, and regional executives, aligning operational delivery with broader business objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by identifying, piloting, and implementing best-in-class processes, digital FM technologies, and sustainability programmes that enhance workplace performance and efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse regional team, supporting recruitment, cross‑training, succession planning, and performance management to create a high‑performing and accountable culture.
• Partner with finance teams to oversee operational budgets, optimise resources, manage supplier performance, and resolve complex commercial and contractual matters.
• Demonstrate and promote CBRE's RISE values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence across client, colleague, and supplier interactions.

What You’ll Need

• Proven progressive leadership experience within Corporate Real Estate, Integrated Facilities Management (IFM), or complex client operational environments. A bachelor's degree is preferred, or equivalent executive-level experience.
• Demonstrated success operating within demanding corporate environments, ideally within Financial Services, Technology, or Professional Services sectors.
• Experience delivering complex regional mobilisations, site openings, operational transitions, and change management programmes across multiple EMEA jurisdictions.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior leaders, navigate complex organisations, communicate sensitive information effectively, and build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, analysing financial performance, and supporting commercial negotiations.
• A proactive, analytical, and solutions-focused approach to identifying operational challenges and implementing scalable improvements.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, together with experience using CAFM and workplace experience platforms.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.