Associate Director, Workplace Operations

The Associate Director, Workplace Operations is responsible for overseeing facilities and workplace operations across office, lab, and manufacturing spaces, ensuring a safe, compliant, and productive environment while delivering exceptional employee experiences. This role manages space optimization, vendor oversight, and daily operations, driving operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, technology-enabled solutions, and strategic partnerships. In addition, the Associate Director is committed to supporting a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters flexibility and productivity. By evolving workplace strategies and services to meet business needs, this position ensures a seamless and engaging experience for employees, contractors, and visitors. Through strategic planning, innovation, and operational leadership, the role creates inclusive, collaborative spaces that promote well-being and high performance.

This role is based full-time on-site in Princeton, New Jersey, with a Monday–Friday, five-days-per-week workplace presence required.

Below is a list of the Associate Director, Workplace Operations responsibilities:

• Oversee workplace operations across four sites (Princeton, NJ; Rockville, MD; Hayward, CA; Boston, MA), including office, lab, and manufacturing spaces.

• Ensure a safe, compliant, and productive work environment at all times.

• Manage all aspects of workplace operations: space planning, mail services, meeting support, security, maintenance, and vendor management.

• Drive operational improvement programs using benchmark standards and best practices.

• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.

• Establish and maintain standards for facility services, including SLAs, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Review and manage contracts to ensure compliance with corporate standards.

• Implement technology solutions for space and process optimization.

• Track and report on key performance indicators related to facilities and employee experience.

• Provide best-in-class workplace experience for employees.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of facilities systems, workplace safety, and relevant local regulations.

• Expertise in vendor oversight and performance-based contract management.

• Ability to lead complex problem-solving initiatives, including root cause analysis and process improvement.

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.

• Proven leadership in managing multi-site operations and cross-functional teams.

• Strategic thinker with a focus on operational excellence and employee experience.

• High adaptability and innovation in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Customer-service orientation with a team member-first mindset.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in facilities and workplace operations, including 5+ years in a managerial role.

• Extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and financial operations.

• Demonstrated success in contract negotiation and vendor management across multiple geographies.

• Experience leading operational excellence programs and managing matrix organizations.

• Strong knowledge of building systems and workplace safety standards.

• Proven ability to design and deliver exceptional workplace experiences.

• Professional presence and ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.