Workplace Strategist - Senior

Gensler; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k)

Profit sharing

Employee stock ownership

Twice annual bonus opportunities

Medical

Dental

Vision

Disability

Wellness programs

Flexible spending

Job summary

Gensler is seeking a Senior Workplace Strategist in San Jose to lead data-driven workplace consulting engagements across strategy, programming, research, portfolio planning, standards, and change management. You will mentor teams, build client relationships, and shape Gensler's Strategy practice in Northern California.

You will collaborate with Strategy, Brand Design, Sustainability, Digital Experience, and Architecture teams to deliver integrated solutions and drive growth in the region.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in workplace strategy or related disciplines.
• Experience leading workplace strategy and programming projects.
• Strong understanding of workplace analytics, utilization studies, occupancy planning, and scenario modeling.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Miro, Mural, and Microsoft Teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead workplace strategy and programming engagements from discovery through recommendation and implementation planning.
• Conduct workplace assessments, utilization analyses, occupancy studies, and scenario planning exercises.
• Develop workplace concepts, strategic frameworks, and future-state workplace recommendations.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, opportunities, and insights.
• Design and facilitate workshops, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and visioning sessions.
• Translate research findings into presentations, reports, and executive-level recommendations.
• Partner with architecture and design teams to ensure strategic objectives are carried through project execution.
• Develop workplace guidelines, planning principles, and space standards for regional and enterprise clients.
• Contribute to planning frameworks, space typologies, occupancy models, and policies.

Skills

Workplace strategy

Data-driven

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Workplace analytics

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture/Interior Design/Environmental Design/Urban Planning/Real Estate/Organizational Development/Organizational Psychology/Business Strategy

Tools

Miro

Mural

Microsoft Teams

InDesign

Job description

• paid time off
• paid holidays
• 401(k)
• profit sharing

Workplace Strategy at Gensler is focused on enabling transformation. Through a creative and collaborative approach grounded in research, analytics, and human-centered design, we help organizations align their workplace, culture, technology, and operations to achieve meaningful business outcomes.

Our Strategy practice in San Jose is growing, and we are seeking a talented Senior Workplace Strategist to lead data-driven workplace consulting engagements across a broad range of services, including workplace strategy, programming, workplace research, portfolio planning, workplace standards, and change management.

This is a senior-level role for an established strategist who is passionate about shaping the future of work and translating insight into actionable solutions. Working closely with strategy, design, and office leadership, you will lead projects, build trusted client relationships, mentor team members, and contribute to the continued growth of Gensler's Strategy practice in Northern California.

What You Will Do

On Projects

• Lead workplace strategy and programming engagements from discovery through recommendation and implementation planning
• Conduct workplace assessments, utilization analyses, occupancy studies, and scenario planning exercises
• Develop workplace concepts, strategic frameworks, and future-state workplace recommendations
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, opportunities, and key insights
• Design and facilitate workshops, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and visioning sessions
• Translate research findings into compelling presentations, reports, and executive-level recommendations
• Partner with architecture and design teams to ensure strategic objectives are effectively carried through project execution
• Develop workplace narratives that connect business goals, employee experience, and design outcomes
• Lead the development of workplace guidelines, planning principles, and space standards for regional and enterprise clients
• Contribute to workplace planning frameworks, space typologies, occupancy models, and workplace policies
• Assist clients in evaluating and refining existing workplace standards and portfolio strategies
• Develop strategic tools, methodologies, and resources that strengthen the quality and consistency of workplace strategy deliverables

Managing the Work

• Lead day-to-day project delivery activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
• Develop project schedules and manage deliverables to ensure successful outcomes
• Monitor project scope, fee performance, and resource allocation in partnership with project leadership
• Maintain accountability for project quality, organization, and communication
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior strategists and emerging team members

With Clients

• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Serve as a trusted advisor regarding workplace transformation, space planning, and organizational change
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and strategic discussions
• Understand client objectives, business priorities, and organizational culture
• Communicate recommendations with confidence and clarity to stakeholders at all levels

Business Development & Practice Growth

• Lead proposal development, project pursuits, and client presentations
• Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, research efforts, and industry engagement
• Collaborate with Strategy, Brand Design, Sustainability, Digital Experience, and Architecture teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Help strengthen the visibility and impact of Gensler's Strategy practice in the region

Your Qualifications

Who You Are

• You are passionate about the built environment and its impact on organizations and people. You:
• Understand how workplace design, policy, technology, and operations influence business performance and employee experience
• Bring a research-based and data-informed approach to problem-solving
• Have a thoughtful point of view on the future of work and workplace transformation
• Communicate complex ideas clearly through presentations, storytelling, and visualization
• Balance strategic thinking with practical implementation
• Thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
• Demonstrate strong business judgment and project management skills
• Are curious, entrepreneurial, and motivated to help grow a practice
• 8+ years of professional experience in workplace strategy, workplace consulting, space programming, portfolio strategy, organizational consulting, or related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience leading workplace strategy and programming projects
• Strong understanding of workplace analytics, utilization studies, occupancy planning, and scenario modeling
• Experience facilitating workshops and engaging senior stakeholders
• Proven ability to translate research and data into meaningful workplace recommendations
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working within or alongside architecture, interior design, planning, or workplace consulting organizations
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology, Business Strategy, or a related field
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Miro, Mural, and Microsoft Teams
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, is preferred
• Comfort integrating AI-enabled research and synthesis tools into strategic workflows

A Plus

• Experience developing workplace guidelines, standards, or planning frameworks
• Change management and workplace transformation experience
• Familiarity with workplace analytics platforms, occupancy tools, and portfolio management systems
• Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization platforms
• WELL AP, LEED, CoreNet MCR/SLCR, or related credentials
• Published research, speaking engagements, or industry thought leadership
• Experience working with global or multi-site organizations

About Strategy at Gensler

Gensler's Strategy Practice explores how space, technology, services, and policy can create exceptional experiences and support organizational success. Through research, analytics, and human-centered design, we help clients develop workplace strategies that align with their business objectives and prepare them for the future.

Working closely with our design teams in San Jose and across the globe, we develop innovative solutions that help organizations evolve, adapt, and thrive in a changing world.

To be considered: Portfolios should include at least 1 project with this particular focus in PDF format

This is not a hybrid or remote position. If you're open to relocatingto theBay Area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. U.S. News & World Report's San Jose, often referred to as the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a diverse city with an innovative spirit.

**The base salary will be estimated between $140,000 - $175,000. Gensler's total compensation package is multi-layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler **

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to 'Well-being Awareness Week,' our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• disability
• wellness programs
• flex spending
• paid holidays
• paid time off
• 401k
• profit sharing
• employee stock ownership
• twice annual bonus opportunities

Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us .

Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud . Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail] .