Head of Workplace Strategy & Operations

Vercel • San Francisco, CA

18h • $220,000 - $265,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Vercel is seeking a Head of Workplace Strategy & Operations, a hands-on leader passionate about building great workplaces. This role involves owning the employee experience across Vercel's global offices (San Francisco, New York, Austin, London, and Berlin) and contributing to their expansion. The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver who can think strategically about global workplace initiatives while also focusing on the details that make offices desirable. They should be adept at making quick, informed decisions, cutting through complexity, and delivering high-quality outcomes with speed and intentionality, embracing an iterative approach to improvement. This position is based in San Francisco, requiring a 5-day-a-week in-office presence.

Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in Facilities, Workplace Experience, Security, and/or Real Estate leadership, including managing teams.
• Proven success in high-tech companies that have scaled from initial spaces to multiple regional locations.
• Track record of being scrappy, creative, and resourceful in scaling operations efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and credibility with senior leadership and site leaders.
• Ability to drive alignment on long-term real estate strategy and day-to-day operations.
• Passion for creating people-centered, inclusive environments through design and experiences.
• Belief in the power of design and brand to build meaningful workplace experiences and engagement.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and an understanding of how physical space reinforces brand identity.
• Experience establishing and managing physical security programs, including day-to-day operations and Executive Protection.
• Strong project management and vendor negotiation skills.
• Experience building relationships and collaborating with Executive Team, People, IT, Legal, Finance, and other business leaders.
• Strong change management skills, particularly during growth phases.

Nice To Haves

• FMP® (Facility Management Professional) – IFMA
• SFP® (Sustainability Facility Professional) – IFMA
• LEED Accreditation – U.S. Green Building Council
• Project Management Certification (e.g. PMP)
• OSHA or local safety compliance training

Responsibilities

• Own global real estate and workplace strategy, aligning with business direction and anticipating future needs.
• Lead site selection, lease negotiations, and office build-outs to support scalable growth without overbuilding.
• Develop global office standards that maintain Vercel's brand identity while allowing for local cultural nuances.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and site leaders to gather input, build consensus, and ensure real estate plans align with business priorities and on-the-ground realities.
• Create office environments that foster collaboration, focus, wellness, and a sense of belonging.
• Act as the guardian of Vercel's brand and aesthetic in physical spaces, ensuring offices are unmistakably representative of the company.
• Partner with the internal Design team to integrate company culture into the physical workspace.
• Manage the finer details of workplace experience, from amenities to layout, to make employees feel valued.
• Collaborate with People and IT departments to ensure physical spaces effectively support employee work and growth.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across all locations with consistency and care.
• Develop and manage physical security programs, including Executive Protection for senior leaders.
• Establish health, safety, and compliance programs that are effective without being overly bureaucratic.
• Manage the vendor ecosystem, ensuring partners meet high standards and fostering productive relationships.
• Own and manage the workplace budget, making strategic trade-offs between investment and resourcefulness.
• Source and negotiate with global vendors based on quality, reliability, and company values.
• Build, develop, and empower a team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and local impact.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including equity.
• Inclusive Healthcare Package.
• Learn and Grow opportunities, including mentorship and event attendance for networking and skill-building.
• Flexible Time Off.
• Company-provided gear for the role.
• WFH budget for home office setup.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed