Associate Director, DTE Business Engagement Lead for Real Estate, Facilities and Operations Systems

Vertex Inc.•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, DTE Business Engagement Lead for Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations Systems is a technical leadership role responsible for driving the digital transformation of Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations systems across the organization. This technical leader will partner with business stakeholders to define and execute the roadmap for AI-enabled solutions, smart building technologies, workplace systems, and data-driven operational improvements that enhance performance, efficiency, user experience, and compliance. The Associate Director is responsible for the design, development, support, maintenance, and future technical roadmap of the systems within scope. This role will support the broader Real Estate and Facilities portfolio, including application lifecycle, office expansions, new office openings, and M&A-related integration activities. They will be responsible for project delivery, detailed project plans and budget management. The role partners closely with Real Estate, Facilities, Engineering, DTE/IT, EH&S, Security, Procurement, and other business stakeholders to modernize systems, optimize operations, and deliver scalable innovation across the built environment portfolio. The Associate Director will lead the evaluation, implementation, integration, and governance of technologies supporting facilities operations, space and occupancy management, maintenance, energy optimization, and workplace experience. Systems and technologies in scope include, but are not limited to: Building Management Systems (BMS/BAS), Integrated Workplace Management Systems (IWMS), Space and occupancy planning tools, Energy management and sustainability platforms, Genetec HiveWatch, Vital, Konvekta, Envoy Visitor Management, Commend Intercom. The Associate Director will collaborate with senior leaders and key stakeholders across multiple areas of the business to identify, prioritize, and deliver technology solutions in support of strategic goals and objectives.

Requirements

Experience with AI, automation, advanced analytics, or digital innovation initiatives in an operational environment.
Deep expertise in Facilities and Operations technologies, Real Estate buildouts, and M&A-related technology integration.
Advanced understanding of AI technologies and their applications across Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations.
Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, risk assessment, and data governance.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business value.
Experience with enterprise platforms such as Genetec, Envoy Visitor Management, Commend Intercom, and Vital.
Demonstrated ability to drive change, foster innovation, and lead high-performing teams.
Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field
8+ years of progressive experience in real estate, facilities, operations systems, digital transformation, or smart building technology roles.
5+ years of people leadership, program leadership, or significant cross-functional leadership experience.

Nice To Haves

JD, MBA, or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with business stakeholders across Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations to manage and prioritize the enterprise applications technology portfolio and continuously evolve the future roadmap.
Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, becoming a trusted partner with significant impact on strategic business goals.
Present strategic recommendations, ideas, and forward-looking plans to cross-functional senior leaders on a regular basis.
Lead and develop a team of two project managers, as well as a federated external managed services team supporting the relevant platforms.
Oversee a portfolio of Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations projects, programs, releases, and system enhancements, ensuring quality and timely delivery within approved budgets.
Proactively identify and recommend innovative technologies, solution ideas, and business process improvements that drive efficiencies and meet business needs.
Enhance and improve internal processes and procedures related to demand management, resource management, project delivery, platform releases, and ongoing operational support.
Manage relationships with strategic software vendors and service providers.
Oversee day-to-day support and maintenance for Genetec, Envoy Visitor Management, and other applications, ensuring maximum uptime, strong performance, and high-quality customer service.
Partner closely with other DTE teams and functions as needed to deliver against the business roadmap.
Lead the development, implementation, and enhancement of systems supporting Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations, including AI-powered solutions that improve workflows, decision-making, and user experience.
Champion the use of generative AI, natural language processing, and machine learning to automate workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance the user experience.
Oversee vendor selection, implementation, and performance for Facilities and Operations technologies.
Ensure systems and processes comply with global data privacy, security, and legal requirements.
Lead change management efforts to drive adoption of new technologies and new ways of working across Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations.
Serve as a strategic advisor on emerging Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations technologies and industry trends, influencing enterprise-wide digital strategy.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration across the department.