Occupancy Planning Lead

Boden Talent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Boden Talent is partnering with our client to recruit an experienced Occupancy Planning Lead based in Manhattan, New York, responsible for occupancy and space planning strategy across the Americas portfolio.

This strategic role focuses on developing workplace solutions that maximize space efficiency, align with business goals, and control costs. You’ll lead across CRE, Facilities, HR, IT, and stakeholders to deliver impactful occupancy programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years in occupancy planning, space management or workplace strategy.
• Experience with multi-site corporate real estate, ideally US-wide.
• Strong data interpretation and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and space management tech (CAFM/IWMS).
• Knowledge of building codes, safety, accessibility advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead occupancy planning and workplace strategy across the Americas portfolio.
• Develop and implement occupancy strategies aligned with business goals.
• Liaise between CRE teams and business units; gather requirements and report progress.
• Analyze current and future space needs using headcount and utilization data.
• Develop footprint requirements and coordinate test fits for properties.
• Lead space allocation, utilization and reconfiguration to optimize costs.
• Collect and analyze occupancy data; produce reports for senior leadership.
• Support relocations, lease renewals, renovations, and planning initiatives.
• Track timelines, deliverables, budgets, and milestones for execution.
• Oversee space management platforms and maintain accurate data.
• Partner with HR, Facilities, IT, and Real Estate to implement plans.
• Provide change management support and stakeholder communications.
• Prepare presentations and materials for executives and CRE teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

CAFM / IWMS platforms

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Location: Manhattan, New York, United States

About the Role

Boden Talent is partnering with our client to recruit an experienced Occupancy Planning Lead based in Manhattan, New York, with responsibility for occupancy and space planning strategy across their Americas portfolio.

This is a strategic position focused on developing and executing workplace and occupancy solutions that ensure the effective and efficient use of office space. You will align real estate and workplace strategies with wider business objectives, supporting organizational growth while optimizing space utilization and controlling costs.

Acting as the Americas lead across all U.S.-based sites, you will work closely with Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, HR, IT, and business stakeholders to understand evolving requirements and deliver workplace solutions that support operational needs and employee productivity.

What You’ll Do

• Lead occupancy planning and workplace strategy across the Americas portfolio, covering all U.S.-based sites.
• Develop and implement occupancy planning strategies aligned with our client's business objectives, workplace strategy, and future growth plans.
• Act as a key liaison between Corporate Real Estate teams and business units, gathering requirements, addressing concerns, and providing regular updates on projects and initiatives.
• Analyze current and future space requirements using business needs, headcount forecasts, organizational changes, and utilization data.
• Develop footprint requirements and coordinate the necessary test fits for both existing and new properties.
• Lead space allocation, utilization, and reconfiguration initiatives to maximize efficiency while minimizing real estate costs.
• Collect and analyze occupancy and space utilization data, producing reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Support real estate projects including office relocations, lease renewals, renovations, and space planning initiatives.
• Track project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and key milestones to ensure successful execution.
• Partner closely with HR, Facilities, IT, and Real Estate teams to ensure occupancy plans are implemented effectively.
• Oversee space management platforms and maintain accurate occupancy and workplace data.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for occupancy-related requirements and inquiries across the portfolio.
• Support workplace change management initiatives, including employee communications, training, and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and supporting materials for senior stakeholders and the wider Corporate Real Estate team.
• Provide broader coordination and administrative support to the Corporate Real Estate function where required.
• Utilize AI tools and emerging technologies to improve analysis, reporting, planning, and workplace decision-making.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in occupancy planning, space management, workplace strategy, or a related corporate real estate function.
• Experience supporting a multi-site corporate real estate portfolio, ideally across the U.S. or wider Americas region.
• Strong understanding of occupancy planning, space utilization, workplace strategy, and portfolio optimization.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Strong project management and organizational capabilities, with experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and space management technologies such as CAFM and IWMS platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with AI tools and their application within analysis, reporting, planning, and workplace strategy.
• Knowledge of building codes, health and safety requirements, and accessibility standards would be advantageous.
• Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and evolving environment while managing changing priorities and ambiguity.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced occupancy planning professional to take on a highly visible position based in Manhattan, New York, with responsibility across a significant Americas real estate portfolio.

You will have the opportunity to shape workplace strategy, influence senior stakeholders, optimize real estate performance, and lead occupancy initiatives across multiple U.S. locations.

Boden Talent is supporting our client with this appointment and welcomes applications from experienced occupancy planning, workplace strategy, and corporate real estate professionals.