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AVP, Head of Workplace Design and Delivery

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Manulife

Aug 8, 2024

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Toronto
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need a B.A./B.S. in design/architecture, 10+ years in workplace design, strong negotiation and communication skills, and knowledge of sustainable practices and design software.
  • You will optimize office design, manage strategies, lead workplace transformation, ensure quality standards, and cultivate executive relationships while overseeing global project execution.

Requirements

  • B.A. or B.S. in design, architecture or related field; MBA or related graduate degree is a plus.
  • A minimum of 10 years experience in workplace design/architecture, at senior level.
  • Proven track record or successfully delivering complex design and construction projects on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards within multiple geographies.
  • Familiarity with sustainable design practices and certifications is highly desirable.
  • Requires strong negotiation skills with internal or external partners, senior executive leadership.
  • Ability to communicate at all levels, appropriately, and convey complex ideas in a simple manner.
  • Strong understanding of employee experience.
  • Requires ability to communicate with senior executive leadership (internally or client) regarding matters of strategic importance to the organization/project.
  • Thorough Knowledge of MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
  • Applications: CAD, familiarity with leading design platforms.
  • Travel to various locations globally, as needed.

Responsibilities

  • - Develop framework for optimizing the office space design to align with Manulife’s goals and priorities, drive engagement and productivity.
  • - Accountable for managing, communicating, gaining support and approval for short and long-term workplace strategy within the team and other groups or leadership within the company.
  • - Contributes to the development of the overall portfolio optimization strategy and long-term direction.
  • - Ensuring design information is of the right quality and keeps pace with project timescales.
  • - Maintain knowledge and use of workplace KPIs; avail of and provide insights into use of data and analytics to further assist strategy and delivery of group’s goals.
  • - Leading workplace transformation to support Manulife’s hybrid Working Better model.
  • - Delivering workplace solutions and amenities to enhance the employee experience.
  • - Designing accommodation for our employees that meet or exceed corporate policies for safety, security, and amenities.
  • - Cultivate relationships with executive leaders to align with company mission and objectives.
  • - Working with the Regional MD leads design, and construction of office accommodations for 35,000 full time, contingent employees and agents.
  • - Manage the workplace design teams directly and through matrix management model.
  • - Improves upon existing solutions, programs and processes using significant conceptualizing, reasoning and interpretation.
  • - Produce and manage global workplace fit-out guidelines/playbook and associated recommended furniture list to ensure global consistency.
  • - Oversight on project planning and execution of large global projects with regional teams including scope, timelines, budgets, and vendor management.
  • - Combines knowledge of workplace design and strategies, with employees’ requirements to ensure a productive work environment that supports company culture.
  • - Work closely with CRE colleagues to implement programs or projects associated with the group’s strategy.
  • - Works closely with and manages relationships with external providers, as dictated by workplace programs or projects.
  • - Collaborates with marketing to obtain supporting demographic data, aligns with and promotes the enterprise brand to all audiences, from investors to employees.
  • - Maintains up to date industry knowledge on workplace design and strategy, and communicates/disseminates within CRE team, and other groups as required.
  • - Serves as a subject matter expert for workplace strategy and design, for the group.
  • - Focuses on agility and flexibility for RE and workforce needs; Aggregates data for multiple strategic planning initiatives in the works.
  • - Defines and reports the metrics on cost tracking to enable better decision-making.
  • - Presents ad-hoc analysis for improving efficiency and quality of workplaces.
  • - Managing the design process using their commercial, contractual, and technical expertise.
  • - Supporting, understanding, and advising the client as to the requirements and their obligations in the development of a building design.
  • - Encouraging and inspiring design consultants to produce their best work using their full flair, experience, resources and talents in a cost-effective way.
  • - Ensuring the design process recognizes current legislation, standards and codes of practice, where appropriate.
  • - Striving to eliminate health and safety risks in the design and financial risks during construction.

FAQs

What is the primary location for this job?

The primary location for this job is Toronto, Ontario.

What is the expected salary range for this position?

The expected salary range for this position is between $123,400.00 CAD and $229,300.00 CAD.

What qualifications are required for the Head of Workplace Design and Delivery role?

A B.A. or B.S. in design, architecture, or a related field is required; an MBA or related graduate degree is a plus.

How many years of experience are necessary for this job?

A minimum of 10 years of experience in workplace design/architecture at a senior level is required.

Who does the Head of Workplace Design and Delivery report to?

This position reports to the Global Head of Corporate Real Estate.

What are the main responsibilities of the Head of Workplace Design and Delivery?

Main responsibilities include developing and delivering the Workplace Design Strategy, leading workplace transformation, optimizing office space design, and collaborating with regional CRE partners.

Will I be required to travel for this position?

Yes, travel to various locations globally will be required as needed.

Is experience with sustainable design practices important for this role?

Yes, familiarity with sustainable design practices and certifications is highly desirable.

What competencies are expected from the candidate?

Candidates should have strong analytical problem-solving abilities, financial analysis skills, excellent negotiating skills, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

What kind of work environment can I expect?

The work environment is hybrid, supporting a mix of remote and on-site operations.

Are there opportunities for professional development?

Yes, there are opportunities for professional development and leadership within the organization.

Does Manulife offer benefits for its employees?

Yes, Manulife offers a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, disability insurance, and retirement savings plans.

What values does Manulife emphasize in its workplace culture?

Manulife emphasizes values such as customer obsession, integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Finance
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Manulife is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, we operate as Manulife across our offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. We have more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents serving ~34 million customers worldwide, and over $1.3 trillion in assets under management and administration.