Workplace Operations Lead

CBRE; Dorking; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE is seeking a Workplace Operations Lead to supervise facilities teams, optimize daily operations, and ensure a safe, efficient workplace. You will coordinate staffing, budgets, vendor management, and site improvements to support business continuity and employee experience.

The role requires leadership, strategic thinking, and a track record of managing facility operations, with emphasis on safety, cost control, and performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience in managing workplace or facility operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide formal supervision for employees, monitor training, conduct evaluations, and oversee recruitment.
• Coordinate daily activities, set work schedules, assign tasks, and cross-train staff.
• Assist with strategic operations, including revenue growth and new business development.
• Lead on site with vendors, facilities maintenance, safety, and budget reporting.
• Monitor KPIs, manage contracts with service providers, and drive cost efficiencies.
• Develop emergency plans and conduct safety audits and drills.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

About The Role

The Workplace Operations Lead is responsible for managing and optimizing the daily operations of workplace facilities to ensure a safe, efficient, and engaging environment for employees. This role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on coordination of services, space planning, and vendor management to support business continuity and employee experience. This job is part of the Operations Management job function. They are responsible for coordinating staff functions and operations that support the organization’s goals and strategies.

What You’ll Do

• Provide formal supervision for employees. Monitor the training and development of staff. Conduct performance evaluations and coaching. Oversee the recruiting and hiring of new employees.
• Coordinate and manage the team's daily activities. Establish work schedules, assign tasks, and cross‑train staff. Set and track staff and department deadlines. Mentor and coach as needed.
• Assist with providing efficient and effective strategic operations. This includes revenue growth and profitability, new business development, etc.
• Apply a robust knowledge of multiple disciplines, the business, and key drivers which impact departmental and cross‑functional performance.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Persuade managers and colleagues to act while guided by the organization’s functional business plans. Negotiate with external partners, vendors, and customers of divergent interests to reach a common goal.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, and renovations of office facilities
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams for facility upkeep
• Streamline and standardise account processes to improve service delivery and reduce costs
• Monitor and report on KPIs related to workplace operations
• Lead with Site leads on the negotiation and management of contracts with service providers (e.g., cleaning, security, catering)
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and performance
• Prepare and manage operational budgets
• Lead on client reporting for budget accountability
• Track expenses and identify cost‑saving opportunities
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans
• Conduct regular safety audits and drills
• Address employee concerns related to workplace facilities
• Organize initiatives that enhance engagement and satisfaction
• Lead on client reporting for operational activities – including budget, safety, workplace experience, risk and PjM project progress.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience in managing workplace or facility operations
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Strong organizational and problem solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Experience in the areas of staffing, selection, training, development, coaching, appraising, and rewarding performance and retention is preferred
• Ability to lead the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult mentoring, measuring, information, convey expectations, and handle problems.
• Leadership skills to set, manage and achieve targets with direct impact.

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.