Global Real Estate & Workplace Lead

Whatnot•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Global Real Estate & Workplace Lead to define and execute Whatnot's real estate and workplace strategy as we scale from 1,000 to 1,500+ employees in 2026 and expand our footprint across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. This role is the strategic and operational leader for all real estate transactions, office buildouts, and facilities operations globally—ensuring our physical spaces support intentional collaboration and connection while honoring Whatnot's remote-first culture. You'll report to our Chief People Officer and partner with senior leadership across Finance & Operations to shape office footprint decisions, manage complex lease negotiations, oversee construction and design, and build scalable workplace operations. This role requires deep real estate expertise, strong financial acumen, and the ability to translate business strategy into physical space — while building and leading a high-performing global team. We offer flexibility to work from home or from one of our global office hubs, and we value in-person time for planning, problem-solving, and connection. Team members in this role must live within commuting distance of our San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, or Los Angeles hubs.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in corporate real estate, facilities, or workplace strategy at high-growth tech companies, with demonstrated success building from the ground up
Deep expertise in lease negotiations, real estate transactions, and portfolio management across multiple geographies and lease structures.
Proven track record leading complex construction and design projects — including buildouts, renovations, and new office launches — from concept through occupancy.
Strong financial and analytical skills to develop business cases, manage P&L accountability, and build long-range real estate and facilities models.
Experience building and scaling teams, including hiring, developing, and managing real estate, project management, and facilities professionals globally.
Strategic mindset with strong operational execution — comfortable setting long-term vision while driving day-to-day project delivery and vendor management.
Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with ability to influence senior executives and translate business needs into real estate strategy.
Experience managing real estate operations during rapid growth, including international expansion and multi-site management.

Responsibilities

Own Whatnot's global real estate strategy, including footprint planning, location selection, and lease vs. build decision frameworks that align with business growth, talent strategy, and financial objectives.
Lead all real estate transactions — lease negotiations, renewals, expansions, and exits across existing and new markets including U.S., Europe, and APAC hubs.
Direct design, construction, and buildout for new offices and expansions, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with Whatnot's brand, culture, and operational needs.
Establish and implement global workplace standards, including design principles, space utilization frameworks, and "kit of parts" to ensure consistency, scalability, and operational efficiency across all locations.
Build and manage vendor ecosystems for architecture, construction, FF&E, property management, facilities services, and workplace operations, driving cost efficiency and quality standards globally.
Oversee facilities operations at scale — maintenance, compliance, vendor management, space planning, and day-to-day workplace experience across all global offices
Partner with Finance to develop and manage real estate and facilities budgets, including long-range forecasting, capital expenditure planning, and scenario modeling for growth and contraction scenarios.
Collaborate with Security, IT, Legal, and People teams to integrate technical infrastructure, workplace policies, and compliance requirements into all real estate and buildout projects.
Lead, hire, and develop a global real estate and workplace team, including project managers, facilities leads, and workplace coordinators across geographies.
Create executive-level reporting on real estate portfolio performance, project status, budget adherence, and strategic recommendations for leadership and Board audiences.