Senior Manager, Workplace & Facilities EMEA

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION: 

The Senior Manager Workplace & Facilities EMEA will be responsible for the strategic oversight and governance of workplace operations across the Company's European offices and showrooms footprint, across seven countries.  This role leads regional workplace strategy, facilities management oversight, lease administration, office relocations, vendor management, and workplace investment planning.  The position provides leadership to the regional Office Management team while ensuring a consistent, high-quality workplace experience that supports employees, customers, and business objectives. 

This role operates as the key liaison between business leaders, HR, Finance, Procurement, approved real estate partners, landlords, and external service providers to ensure the Company's workplaces remain effective, cost-efficient, compliant, and aligned with future business needs. 

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

Workplace Strategy & Governance 

• Develop and implement a European workplace strategy that supports business growth, employee experience, and operational effectiveness. 

• Establish standards, policies, and best practices across all offices and showrooms. 

• Partner with HR and business leaders to ensure workplace environments support organisational culture, collaboration, and ways of working. 

• Evaluate future workplace requirements and provide recommendations regarding office footprint, utilisation, and workplace design. 

Facilities Leadership 

• Provide regional oversight of facilities services across all European offices and showrooms. 

• Ensure workplace environments meet company and legal standards for safety, functionality, and employee experience. 

• Monitor service levels and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Establish consistent facilities management practices across all locations including regular audits, maintenance schedules. 

• Partner with EHS Manager to develop effective programs for managing energy consumption and recycling at each facility.  

Real Estate & Lease Management 

• Manage the European office and showroom lease portfolio. 

• Act as the primary regional contact for approved real estate partners, landlords, and property management partners. 

• Maintain oversight of lease renewals, critical dates, occupancies, and contractual obligations. 

• Partner with Procurement, Finance, Legal, and approved real estate partners to support lease negotiations and real estate decisions. 

• Provide recommendations regarding renewals, consolidations, expansions, and exits. 

Relocations & Workplace Projects 

• Lead office relocations, refurbishments, expansions, and workplace transformation projects across Europe. 

• Co-ordinate cross-functional stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. 

• Manage project budgets, timelines, risks, and stakeholder communications. 

• Oversee external partners, contractors, and project vendors. 

Budget & Vendor Management 

• Develop and manage regional workplace and facilities budgets and capital expense budgets. 

• Highly cost conscious approach to identifying opportunities to optimise workplace-related expenditure while maintaining service quality. 

• Monitor financial performance and ensure appropriate cost controls. 

• Manage key supplier relationships and oversee vendor performance reviews. 

• Partner with Procurement to support sourcing, contracting, and supplier negotiations. 

People Leadership 

• Lead and develop a team of Office Managers across Europe. 

• Create a high-performing and collaborative team environment. 

• Establish clear objectives, performance expectations, and development plans. 

• Promote sharing of best practices and consistency across locations. 

Risk, Compliance & Business Continuity 

• Ensure compliance with local workplace regulations and health and safety requirements. 

• Partner with EHS Manager, local teams and external providers to mitigate workplace-related risks. 

• Support business continuity and crisis management planning for office locations. 

• Maintain appropriate workplace governance, documentation, and reporting. 

• Partner with Asset Protection teams to ensure personal and business safety and security. 

Stakeholder Management 

• Build strong relationships with regional and local leadership teams and our associates. 

• Act as a trusted advisor on workplace, facilities, and office-related matters. 

• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Procurement, IT, Legal, and external partners. 

• Communicate workplace initiatives and changes effectively across the organisation. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS: 

• Significant experience leading workplace operations, facilities management, corporate services, or real estate-related functions within a European multi-site organisation. 

• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams across multiple countries. 

• Experience overseeing office portfolios and lease management activities. 

• Demonstrated success leading office relocations, workplace transformation initiatives, and facilities projects. 

• Experience managing budgets, contracts, and third-party vendors. 

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive outcomes across a complex matrix environment. 

• Strong commercial and financial acumen. 

• Strategic thinking with high levels of commercial and financial acumen. 

• Leadership skills in a highly collaborative organisation with the ability to effectively partner with and influence key stakeholders 

• Strong project management and change management skills 

• Effective in coaching team members and inspiring teamwork both within own team and across the broader organisation.  

• Must have strong problem solving skills and be capable of accurately assessing needs, maintaining a calm approach and taking quick action to resolve issues.  

• Customer and employee experience focus with a diplomatic approach across all levels of the organization. 

BENEFITS: 

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity 

• Private Medical Insurance 

• Dental Scheme 

• Pension Scheme 

• Flexible Working Hours  

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site) 

• 25 days Annual Leave per year 

• Life Insurance 

• On Site Gym 

• Employee Discount 

• Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year 

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support) 

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.