Associate Director / Director, Head of Real Estate and Facilities

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to join our team as the Director, Head of Real Estate and Facilities Management. In this role, you will be responsible for strategic development, project planning and execution, and on-going management of our physical office sites globally (currently 17 office locations with approximately 250,000 total square feet):

• Workplace strategy development and execution for current and future office locations
• Strategic location review and site selection, including lease contracting and negotiations and on-going lease management and administration
• Construction project management and on-going capital expenditure planning and execution
• Facilities management globally to ensure the optimal functioning, safety, and efficiency of our facilities

Base Salary Range

Associate Director: $130,000 - $145,000

Director: $145,000 - $160,000

Specific compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, commercial considerations, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Russell Investments, salary is just one part of our compensation package. Our total rewards approach includes participation in our competitive benefits programs including healthcare, retirement, vacation, and wellbeing programs.

Your Core Responsibilities

Space Planning and Execution:

• Proactively drive executives and key stakeholders to identify space utilization needs and opportunities to optimize productivity and total cost of ownership.
• As a result of new space needs, evolving needs mid-lease, or upcoming lease expirations, lead executive management and key stakeholders through strategy execution, developing recommendations and leading through site selection, financial analysis, lease negotiations, and lease executions.
• Develop and execute all real estate-related capital expense project management, including new office construction, office decommissions, renovations, and space expansions, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations and adherence to budgetary constraints.

Lease Management:

• Responsible for lease administration activities, including proactively managing upcoming lease expirations as part of space planning strategy as well as lease negotiation, renewal, and termination processes.
• Manages landlords and property management firms/agents of landlords to ensure compliance with lease terms and conditions, including but not limited to rent payments, operating expenses, and maintenance obligations.
• Responsible for any sub-leases/subtenant agreements (1)
• Maintains accurate lease databases and records, tracking key dates, financial obligations, and lease expirations.

Facilities Management Leadership:

• Oversees day-to-day facility operations, including maintenance, repairs, security, janitorial services, and vendor management.
• Leads a global team of 5 facilities managers and assistance managers – along with their support staff, providing guidance, direction, and mentorship to drive operational excellence.

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards across all facilities.
• Implement and maintain emergency preparedness plans and protocols to safeguard occupants and assets in the event of emergencies or disasters.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Responsible for financial analysis – in partnership with finance – in reviewing and driving decisions for site evaluations and related construction projects/capex investments.
• Develops and manages within agreed annual operating budgets for facility operations, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
• Identifies cost-saving opportunities and implements measures to optimize operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.

Vendor and Contract Management:

• Develops and effectively executes and manages strategic relationships with brokers and landlords and their property management firms for our sites.
• Negotiate and manages performance to contract with other service providers, and suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and service quality.
• Establish performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate vendor performance and drive continuous improvement.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:

• Develop and implement sustainability initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of facility operations.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and green building certifications to align with corporate sustainability goals.
• Provides reporting for any corporate sustainability goals such as net zero reductions (generally Scope 1 and 2 emissions related to office sites)

Your Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., CFM, CRE, LEED) preferred.
• 10-15+ years of experience in real estate and facilities management, with significant experience in leading executive teams through site selection, including related financial analysis, for sites up to 80,000 square feet.
• Occasional travel to our different office locations throughout the year (10-20% travel).
• Significant experience in managing construction projects up to 80,000 square feet for professional services firms or clients, including full buildouts as well as refurbishments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing global facilities teams and driving results in a complex and fast-paced organization.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to accurately analyze lease and construction project proposals, develop recommendations, budgets, and manage costs effectively.
• Demonstrated experience at leading executives through decision making process in site selection and site construction projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading large-scale real estate and construction projects from concept to completion.
• Knowledge of local regulations and codes related to real estate and facilities management in key markets, including the ability to navigate legal and regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for a diverse team.
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship principles.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned real estate and facilities professional to make a significant impact in a global organization that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for creating exceptional workplace experiences, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of our company.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Russell Investments is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all associates and employment applicants regardless of race, religion, ancestry, creed, color, gender (including gender identity which refers to a person's actual or perceived sex, and includes self-image, appearance, behavior or expression, whether or not different from that traditionally associated with a person's biological sex), age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation,  past or present unemployment status , or any other characteristic protected by law.