Director, Global Facilities

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP•New York, NY

2d•$250,000 - $320,000

About The Position

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. Our approximately 1,000 lawyers located in 10 offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com. Position Summary: The Director, Global Facilities is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for the firm’s leasing and construction activities around the world and for leading and developing the firm’s facilities, maintenance and supplies teams. This leadership position will help drive the firm’s global real estate and facilities strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational excellence across all locations.

Requirements

Familiarity with real estate and leasing required. Must be able to read and understand leases and other contracts/legalese.
Real estate/legal background preferred
Demonstrated success leading and managing a large, cross-functional and high-performing team
Ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to maintain utmost discretion of confidential information
Ability to maintain professional composure in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment
Experience managing large construction projects with a sharp eye for detail
Highly motivated, responsive and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service
Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans in a complex, multi-site environment
Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational change
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for large-scale projects
Available to travel extensively as necessary
Experience leading a busy team
BA or BS
10+ years’ experience leading complex commercial facilities projects
5+ years’ personnel management experience
5+ years’ experience in a professional services environment; law firm experience preferred.
Experience in a global organization preferred

Nice To Haves

JD or MBA preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure that critical lease dates for all offices are tracked; advise firm leadership in advance of any deadlines requiring our action, providing appropriate analysis and strategic recommendations for action steps
Review leases and provide lease comments, working with outside legal counsel, firm leadership and outside brokers to incorporate all required clauses
Review construction documents, contracts, change orders and provide insight and comments to ensure Davis Polk requirements will be met
Evaluate space requirements, analyze market and other conditions to appropriately advise leadership on opportunities to address them
Work with brokers, outside real estate lawyers and project consultants to develop proposals, lease strategies and lease documents for firm leadership
Oversee architects, contractors, and other consultants on major renovations or new construction
Manage construction project budget in conjunction with outside project managers and internal finance team, reviewing project-related invoices and change orders, tracking spend, submitting requests for landlord tenant improvement allowance payments and so on.
Engage with landlord’s engineering staff and professional mechanical and electrical engineers or other consultants to ensure the reliability and cost effectiveness of building systems and other infrastructure in all office locations.
Manage the firm’s facilities, maintenance, and supplies teams, including their hiring, development, direction and performance management
Manage project assignments of facilities team members, ensuring appropriate project coverage and oversight
Help lead change management initiatives related to real estate and facilities modernization across the organization
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the firm’s strategic objectives
Work with Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administrative Officer on other significant projects as may be required