Director, Workplace Experience

Panera Bread•Newton, MA

5d•$155,476 - $186,572•Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Workplace Experience is responsible for creating and maintaining a workplace environment that enables employees to thrive, collaborate, and perform at their best. This role provides strategic leadership for both workplace operations and employee experience initiatives, ensuring that office facilities, amenities, culture, engagement programs, and workplace services align with organizational goals and values. The Director serves as a key partner to Human Resources, Facilities, IT, Security, and business leaders to deliver a safe, efficient, engaging, and inclusive workplace experience that attracts, retains, and inspires talent. This position oversees facility operations, space planning, workplace programs, employee events, and culture initiatives that enhance employee connection, productivity, and well-being.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Organizational Development, or a related field.
8+ years of progressive leadership experience in workplace experience, facilities management, employee engagement, corporate services, hospitality, or related functions.
Experience leading both operational and employee-focused workplace programs.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, vendors, and workplace projects.
Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive cross-functional initiatives.
Strategic workplace planning
Facilities and office operations management
Employee engagement and culture development
Change management and organizational effectiveness
Program and project management
Budgeting and financial management
Vendor negotiation and contract management
Space planning and workplace design
Employee communications and event management
Data analysis and KPI tracking
Strong leadership, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive workplace experience strategy aligned with business objectives and company culture.
Lead workplace programs that foster collaboration, employee engagement, inclusion, well-being, and organizational effectiveness.
Establish and monitor key performance metrics related to workplace satisfaction, utilization, engagement, and operational excellence.
Partner with senior leaders to evaluate and evolve workplace practices that support a positive employee experience.
Manage departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and strategic workplace investments.
Oversee all corporate office facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and well-maintained work environments.
Direct facility operations including maintenance, repairs, space planning, workplace design, environmental health and safety, and building services.
Lead office expansion, relocation, renovation, and workplace transformation projects.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety, regulatory, and building requirements.
Manage third-party vendors and service providers, including janitorial, catering, security, maintenance, and property management partners.
Optimize workplace utilization, occupancy planning, and office amenities.
Design and implement workplace initiatives that strengthen employee connection, engagement, and organizational culture.
Lead employee events, recognition programs, celebrations, volunteer activities, and workplace campaigns.
Collaborate with HR to support onboarding experiences, employee listening strategies, and engagement survey action plans.
Develop programs that enhance employee well-being, belonging, and workplace satisfaction.
Create consistent and meaningful workplace experiences across all office locations.
Serve as a culture champion by promoting company values and supporting initiatives that strengthen employee engagement.
Partner with leadership and HR teams to drive programs that foster inclusion, collaboration, and employee connection.
Develop workplace communications that promote engagement, awareness, and participation in company initiatives.
Support employee resource groups, culture committees, and community involvement efforts.
Identify innovative workplace trends and practices that improve the employee experience.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for workplace operations and engagement programs.
Negotiate contracts and manage performance of workplace vendors and service providers.
Analyze workplace data, utilization metrics, and employee feedback to drive continuous improvement and cost-effective solutions.