EMEA Operations Director

Company: CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS)
Apply for the EMEA Operations Director
Location: London
Job Description:

About the Role

Reporting to the Alliance Director you will lead the operational delivery of one of EMEA’s most prestigious integrated facilities management accounts in the technology sector. This is a rare opportunity to direct operations across a world‑class portfolio spanning prestige corporate headquarters, innovation campuses, and cutting‑edge Labs – shaping the workplace environments where the next generation of technology is conceived, built, and brought to life.

What You’ll Do

Strategic & Operational Leadership

  • Own the EMEA operational delivery strategy, translating the alliance vision into actionable regional plans that drive performance, innovation, and client satisfaction
  • Direct operations across 40+ locations encompassing prestige offices, data centres, innovation labs, and specialist Labs facilities requiring bespoke operational protocols
  • Lead and develop a team of Regional/Country Operations Managers and specialist engineers, building a high-performance culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Serve as the senior escalation point for all operational matters, ensuring rapid resolution and proactive risk management across the portfolio

Performance & Commercial Excellence

  • Drive consistent achievement and outperformance of contractual KPIs/SLAs across all EMEA locations, implementing robust governance and performance management frameworks
  • Own regional P&L accountability, managing operational budgets, identifying cost efficiencies, and delivering measurable value to the client and the business
  • Lead capital planning and project delivery for the region – identifying lifecycle investment needs, preparing business cases, and overseeing execution of capital programmes
  • Develop and manage the regional supply chain strategy including vendor procurement, RFP management, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management of subcontractors

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability

  • Champion a zero‑harm safety culture across all operations, ensuring full compliance with local regulations, client standards, and industry frameworks (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001)
  • Drive the sustainability and net‑zero agenda – implementing energy management programmes, monitoring utility consumption, and delivering against ESG targets and science‑based reduction commitments
  • Ensure regulatory compliance across 20 jurisdictions, maintaining expert awareness of varying national codes, fire & life safety requirements, and environmental legislation

Innovation & Client Partnership

  • Act as a trusted advisor to the client’s EMEA Workplace leadership team – bringing market intelligence, operational innovation, and thought leadership that elevates the partnership
  • Drive digital transformation of FM operations: CMMS/CAFM optimisation, IoT sensor deployment, predictive maintenance, and data‑driven decision making
  • Develop and embed operational playbooks, standard operating procedures, and best‑practice frameworks that ensure consistency and scalability across the portfolio
  • Lead mobilisation and integration of new sites into the account, ensuring seamless transition and rapid achievement of steady‑state operational maturity

What You’ll Need

  • Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business, or related discipline
  • Held roles within Senior FM/operations leadership, with demonstrable experience at Director level on large‑scale IFM accounts
  • Proven multi‑country/multi‑site operational management across EMEA (minimum 10+ locations)
  • Track record managing portfolios of £30M+ annual operational spend
  • Experience in technology sector, life sciences, or similarly complex/high‑specification environments
  • Strong commercial acumen – P&L ownership, budget management, and contract governance
  • Experience leading teams of 100+ across multiple geographies and cultures

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Posted: June 13th, 2026