Senior Director, Facilities Operations

Cantor Fitzgerald•New York, NY

About The Position

The Senior Director, Facilities Operations provides strategic leadership and overall management of a client account, with direct accountability for facilities management, technical oversight, and asset reliability support. The role is Newmark’s primary liaison to the client’s Corporate Real Estate team and key business stakeholders, ensuring service delivery aligns with business objectives, contractual requirements, and performance expectations. The Director leads the account team and facilities management organization, oversees financial and operational performance, and coordinates additional contracted service lines to provide an integrated client experience. The position leads Newmark’s workforce and owns service execution in line with client priorities and program direction, providing technical and field recommendations for client-approved improvements. It combines executive-level client relationship management, facilities operations expertise, financial discipline, and team leadership, with an emphasis on service excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term client satisfaction. The role also leads account transitions and stabilization, oversees vendor and procurement activities, coordinates risk management and business continuity, and partners with the client on sustainability initiatives. Working conditions are described as normal, with the absence of disagreeable elements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, property management, or corporate real estate, including leadership of complex, geographically dispersed portfolios.
Demonstrated experience managing client relationships, leading teams, and overseeing account- or portfolio-level service delivery.
Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets, vendor contracts, and financial performance.
Experience overseeing tenant improvements, facility projects, and related project delivery.
Strong knowledge of facilities operations, maintenance programs, service delivery models, and performance measurement.
Ability to align operational priorities with client business objectives and long-term real estate strategies.
Strong financial, analytical, planning, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities across locations.
Excellent client relationship, negotiation, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to identify risks, resolve complex issues, and make timely decisions.
Familiarity with real estate contracting, procurement, and vendor management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; working knowledge of CMMS platforms and portfolio reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading technical facilities operations and union workforces, including collective bargaining agreement administration, preferably in life science or other regulated environments.
Experience with outsourcing, account transitions, and integrated real estate service delivery.
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or a related professional designation.
Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary account contact for the client’s Corporate Real Estate leadership and key business stakeholders.
Partner with client Facilities, Engineering, EH&S, Quality, and laboratory stakeholders to align service delivery with site operating requirements.
Translate client business objectives into account strategies, operating plans, and measurable service delivery goals.
Lead the account team and establish responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability across contracted services.
Ensure compliance with the Master Service Agreement, scope of work, service-level commitments, and client and Newmark policies.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews, Annual Strategic Reviews, and regular client performance meetings; address concerns, resolve escalations, and identify service improvements and account growth opportunities.
Support contract renewals, scope development, negotiations, and account growth with Newmark leadership.
Execute contracted facilities services and provide operational feedback and recommendations for program improvement.
Direct Regional Facilities Managers, site teams, and Newmark-managed service providers.
Oversee preventive and reactive maintenance, inspections, technical execution, equipment performance feedback, reliability risks, and maintenance effectiveness within the contracted scope.
Coordinate high-risk work, safe work practices, and planned shutdowns with client stakeholders.
Ensure timely completion of contracted-scope work orders and accurate asset, building, and service data in the CMMS.
Follow client procedures and standards, recommend refinements based on field experience, and implement client-approved changes.
Coordinate with landlords, property managers, managing agents, vendors, project teams, and contractors to address building conditions and deliver projects to client requirements, budgets, and schedules.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets with the client, account finance team, and facilities leadership.
Monitor financial performance, expenditures, forecasts, budget variances, and operating initiatives; partner with Client Accounting on reporting, accounting practices, and financial controls.
Ensure purchase orders, invoices, and service expenditures comply with approved budgets, contracts, and authorization procedures.
Identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance, operating efficiencies, and portfolio performance improvements; support long-range real estate and capital planning.
Lead, coach, and develop account and facilities teams; establish staffing plans, set goals, conduct performance reviews, recommend compensation, address performance concerns, and support professional development.
Lead the union workforce and administer the collective bargaining agreement in partnership with Newmark HR and Labor Relations.
Maintain effective communication among Newmark teams, client stakeholders, and service providers.
Oversee vendor selection, procurement, service agreement negotiations, performance management, contract compliance, documentation, purchasing records, and invoice verification; resolve vendor issues and implement corrective actions.
Oversee compliance with applicable regulations and client and Newmark environmental, health, and safety policies. Follow client life science site procedures, including GMP requirements where applicable to the contracted scope; the client retains ownership of regulatory and quality programs.
Ensure facility inspections, compliance tracking, and corrective action plans are completed and documented.
Lead account-level emergency preparedness and business continuity coordination; ensure emergency procedures and drills are maintained and coordinate with client Risk Management.
Provide leadership during facility emergencies and service disruptions, including after-hours support as needed.
Partner with the client on sustainability initiatives and facility performance improvements.
Track and report KPIs, service-level measures, and account objectives against client-approved standards; report on service performance, portfolio conditions, financial results, risks, and improvement initiatives.
Use portfolio data and stakeholder feedback to identify service gaps, implement corrective actions, and recommend improvements across facilities operations and other contracted service lines for client approval.
Develop recommendations to improve operational efficiency, control occupancy costs, and enhance the workplace environment.
Partner with Newmark Transition Services and functional leaders to onboard accounts and transition client real estate and facilities functions.
Coordinate operational, staffing, technical, vendor integration, and service delivery readiness for transitions, maintaining operational continuity and client alignment through stabilization.