Senior Manager, Office Operations

White & Case LLP; Makati; On-site; PHP 1,400,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Job summary

White & Case LLP, Manila Global Operating Center, is seeking a Senior Manager to head workplace and operational services for the Manila office. The role focuses on a high-volume shared services environment, overseeing office operations, facilities, security, and vendor management.

You will lead facilities and office services teams across shifts, drive recruitment and performance, manage budgets and capital plans, and collaborate with HR and Global Mobility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Demonstrated negotiation and stakeholder management experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end office operations and facilities management for a high-volume Manila site.
• Lead cross-functional teams in office services, security, housekeeping and courier operations.
• Manage OPEX/CAPEX budgets, vendor contracts and cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security and regulatory standards and drive sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

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

Job description

Our Global Operating Center located in Manila is pivotal to enhancing the Firm’s operational efficiency and streamlining legal and business services support across our global network. Our center provides comprehensive administrative, financial and operational services across office operations, compliance and new business, finance, technology, human resources, innovation and marketing. By centralizing these critical functions, the center ensures consistency and quality in service delivery while reducing operational costs. Through its integrated approach, our Global Operating Center enables the Firm to focus on its core legal services, drive global growth and maintain high standards of client service across all offices.

Position Summary

This role will head the delivery of workplace and operational services of the Manila office. The role is focused on running a high‑volume shared‑services environment rather than a fee‑earner office.

The Senior Manager, Office Operations manages the office that supports global functions based in Manila (including Global Operations Services, Finance, HR, Technology and Marketing) and works closely with global functional leads and the Director for Philippine Operations.

Working in partnership with global functional teams, the role creates an environment that enables our shared services teams to perform at their best. Additionally, maintaining a high‑quality workplace experience and consistent operational standards across the Firm’s global support hubs.

Duties And Accountabilities

Office & Workplace Operations

• Responsible for broader operational governance, local office engagement and management of the Manila premises, including:
• Lead day‑to‑day office operations across a high‑volume, multi‑shift shared services environment
• Oversee workplace planning, facilities management, office systems and refurbishments projects.
• Manage landlord, vendor and transport/shuttle relationships to support seamless operations
• Support office engagement, CSR initiatives and special events in collaboration with local and global teams.
• Ensure operational efficiency, compliance and alignment with global and local regulatory workplace standards.

Service Delivery, People Management & Vendor Oversight

• Responsible for leading operational service teams and ensuring delivery of high‑quality workplace services, including:
• Lead Facilities, Reception/Guest Services and Office Services teams across a multi‑shift setup
• Drive workplace planning, recruitment, performance management and team development
• Oversee outsourced vendors and critical support services including security, housekeeping, maintenance and pantry operations among others.
• Manage office logistics, administrative support, room bookings and transport coordination
• Support onboarding and relocation logistics in partnership with HR, Global Mobility and other global functional leads

Financial Management

• Responsible for financial oversight of local office operations expenditure, including:
• Manage OPEX/CAPEX budgets, vendor spend and occupancy‑related costs
• Track financial performance, reporting and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support fit‑outs, renovations and major workplace investments in coordination with Finance and global teams.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, procurement processes and approval requirements.

Security, Safety & Business Continuity

• Responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant and resilient office environment, including:
• Maintain compliance with physical security, safety and regulatory requirements
• Oversee access controls, emergency communications, evacuation planning and drills
• Manage business continuity and crisis response processes for workplace operations
• Coordinate with security vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure a safe and resilient office environment

Environmental Sustainability

• Responsible for supporting sustainable office operations and compliance with Firm environmental standards, including:
• Compliance with the Firm’s sustainable operations guidelines
• Support annual reporting on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and standards adopted for the Manila site as required by Firm processes
• Lead engagement in the Manila office on environmental sustainability to ensure compliance with local and building mandates and Firm objectives
• Maintain dialogue with local property management and relevant vendors regarding sustainability initiatives for consideration by the Firm’s global sustainability team, including opportunities to enhance or improve reporting metrics

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Facilities Management or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Facilities Management, Office Administration and 5 years in Leadership role or as Department Head and part of Leadership Team.
• Proven experience in vendor management, contract negotiation and building administration.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and problem‑solving skills.
• Solid experience in office operations, budgeting and administrative controls.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in managing operating expenses (OPEX) and supporting capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, budgeting and tracking within facilities or office administration.

Office Location and Reporting

• This is a role based in Manila
• This role reports to the Director of Philippine Operations
• Onsite 5x per week / Shift may vary and must be willing to adjust

This role reports to

Director - Philippine Operations

Equal Opportunities

White & Case is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm’s policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you require assistance and/or adjustment to participate in our application and/or interview process, please email us. We will be happy to work with you.

The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at‑will nature of employment.

The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.