VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning

AllianceBernstein L.P.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AllianceBernstein L.P. in Nashville, TN seeks a VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning to lead global workplace strategy across AB’s real estate portfolio.

You will guide internal teams and external consultants to create high‑quality, employee‑centric workplaces reflecting AB’s brand and culture. This role requires setting design direction, managing multi-location projects, and collaborating with Leasing, Construction, Technology, Marketing, and leadership to deliver scalable, sustainable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of workplace strategy development and implementation in a design firm or corporate setting.
• Experience managing large multi-location design projects and leading teams.
• Strong leadership, communication and presentation skills; ability to collaborate across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement global workplace design strategy, standards, and design principles.
• Manage procurement and oversight of architectural, interior design, branding, and signage consultants.
• Lead and mentor internal design and space planning staff.
• Support space programming with business unit leadership, Technology, and Workplace Services.
• Oversee design processes from test fits to project completion with external consultants and project teams.
• Produce test-fit studies and conceptual layouts for locations and renovations worldwide.
• Conduct space utilization analyses and develop optimization recommendations.
• Ensure designs comply with codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Balance global design consistency with local architectural character and culture.

Skills

Architecture

Interior Design

Workplace Strategy

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Revit

Portfolio

Travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Revit

Project management software

Job description

Who You’ll Work With:

We are seeking a Nashville, TN based VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning to join our Real Estate Services team. The Real Estate Services team is accountable for the firm’s comprehensive real estate strategy, execution, and operating standards across AB’s global real estate portfolio, spanning 53 locations in 27 countries. The team is responsible for delivering integrated real estate services, including strategic planning, transactions, lease administration, capital planning, workplace design and construction, and critical systems management, ensuring alignment with the firm’s business objectives and culture. This team partners closely with senior leadership, Legal, Finance, Technology, and local management teams worldwide. The core mandate is to deliver employee-centric, high-quality, resilient and efficient workplaces that embody the firm’s culture and values, support business growth, and effectively manage risk and cost over the long term.

What You’ll Do:

The VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning is a key role for our firm providing office design-related services - development and execution of workplace design strategy across AB’s global real estate portfolio. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants, this role is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality, functional, and efficient workplace environments that reflect AB’s brand, culture, and business objectives while enhancing the employee experience and delivering long-term value. This role is responsible for setting the design aesthetic direction for the firm’s workplaces globally - defining global workplace strategy, design principles and standards. It supports the following functions: Real Estate Leasing Design & Construction / Project Management Furniture, Art and Planting Management Branding and Signage Technology Workplace Services.

• Define and implement global workplace design strategy, standards, and design principles.
• Manage the procurement and oversight of architectural, interior design, branding, and signage consultants.
• Lead and mentor the internal design and space planning staff.
• Support the space programming process by partnering with business unit leadership, Technology, and Workplace Services to develop comprehensive project briefs.
• In collaboration with Design & Construction / Project management, lead the design process - from test fit plans through project completion - in collaboration with the project management team and external consultants, including architects, interior designers, MEP engineers, lighting, acoustical, food service, and branding/signage vendors.
• Support the Real Estate Leasing team by producing test-fit studies and conceptual layouts for prospective locations and renovation projects worldwide.
• Conduct space utilization analyses and develop recommendations to optimize workplace efficiency.
• Review contract documents and, when required, shop drawings to ensure compliance with the approved design intent.
• Ensure workplace designs promote collaboration, focus, flexibility, and productivity while complying with applicable building codes, regulations, and sustainability standards.
• Balance global design consistency with the architectural character, culture, and historical context of each location.
• Partner with the Assets team (Furniture, Art, and Planting) to prepare design presentations for client review and approval.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop signage and branding concepts, supported by design studies and presentation materials.
• Maintain an accurate global database of office layouts and space plans in partnership with the Workplace Services team.
• Stay current with emerging workplace design trends, technologies, and best practices.

This is a unique role that gives an opportunity to: Collaborate with top talent: hire the best in the field and collaborate with top skilled and innovative professionals in the environment that fosters creativity and excellence. Engage in projects across different geographies and countries offers a rich variety of experiences, as each location presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, from climate considerations to local building regulations, to local historical and cultural differences - all of which can significantly enhance your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Achieve professional growth while working with and learning from the best architects, interior designers and engineers in the industry.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of workplace strategy development and implementation, interior design and space planning experience within an architectural/interior design firm, or global corporate office environment.
• Demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-location design projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across diverse teams while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with sustainable design practices and certifications such as LEED, WELL, and Fitwel is a plus.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and project management software; knowledge of Revit is a plus.
• Excellent design presentation abilities; freehand sketching s a plus.
• Strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
• Willingness to "go with the flow" and adapt to ever changing project requirements.
• A sense of humor and a positive attitude to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative and enjoyable work environment.
• Open‑mindness and receptiveness to feedback and new ideas.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to provide a digital portfolio showcasing recent workplace design projects.

About AB

We are a leading global investment management firm offering high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, retail investors, and private-wealth clients in major markets around the globe. With over 4,000 employees across 57 locations operating in 26 countries and jurisdictions, our ambition is simple: to be the most trusted investment firm in the world. We realize that it’s our people who give us a competitive advantage and drive success in the market, and our goal is to create an inclusive culture that rewards hard work. Our culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration creates an environment where you can thrive and do your best work. Whether you’re producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business or providing thoughtful advice to our clients, we are fully invested in you. If you’re ready to challenge your limits and empower your career, join us! All are encouraged to apply. AB does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or any other basis that is prohibited by applicable law. AB’s policies and practices seek to ensure that employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants based solely on job-related criteria.

Nashville, Tennessee We are a leading global investment management firm offering high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, retail investors, and private-wealth clients in major markets around the globe. With over 4,000 employees across 51 locations operating in 25 countries and jurisdictions, our ambition is simple: to be the most trusted investment firm in the world. We realize that it’s our people who give us a competitive advantage and drive success in the market, and our goal is to create an inclusive culture that rewards hard work. Our culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration creates an environment where you can thrive and do your best work. Whether you’re producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business or providing thoughtful advice to our clients, we are fully invested in you. If you’re ready to challenge your limits and empower your career, join us! All are encouraged to apply! AB does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or any other basis that is prohibited by applicable law. AB’s policies, as well as practices, seek to ensure that employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants, based solely on job-related criteria.