Senior Director, Facilities Operations

Newmark•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, aligning service delivery with business objectives, contractual requirements, and performance expectations. The Director leads the account team and facilities management organization, oversees financial and operational performance, coordinates contracted service lines, and directs Newmark’s workforce in accordance with client priorities and program direction. The position also provides technical and field recommendations for client-approved improvements. The role combines executive-level client relationship management, facilities operations expertise, financial discipline, and team leadership, with emphasis on service excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term client satisfaction. Responsibilities span account leadership, facilities operations, financial and portfolio planning, team development, vendor management, risk and compliance, performance management, and account transitions. The Director supports facilities services within Newmark’s contracted scope and client-defined priorities, including maintenance, inspections, work-order and asset data management, project coordination, emergency preparedness, and business continuity. The role works with client stakeholders, Newmark teams, landlords, vendors, and service providers, and may provide after-hours support during facility emergencies or service disruptions. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent relevant experience, and at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, property management, or corporate real estate, including leadership of complex, geographically dispersed portfolios. A normal working environment without disagreeable elements is specified.

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.
Experience leading technical facilities operations and union workforces, including collective bargaining agreement administration.
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, written communication, 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, and working knowledge of CMMS platforms and portfolio reporting tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading technical facilities operations and union workforces in life science or other regulated environments is preferred.
Experience with outsourcing, account transitions, and integrated real estate service delivery is preferred.
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or a related professional designation is preferred.
An advanced degree is a plus.

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, setting responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability across contracted services.
Ensure compliance with the Master Service Agreement, scope of work, service-level commitments, and applicable client and Newmark policies.
Lead Quarterly Business Reviews, Annual Strategic Reviews, and regular client performance meetings.
Address client concerns, resolve escalations, and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and the client relationship.
Support contract renewal, scope development, negotiations, and account growth opportunities with Newmark leadership.
Execute contracted facilities services according to client priorities 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, and related services within the contracted scope.
Lead technical execution and provide feedback on equipment performance, reliability risks, and maintenance effectiveness.
Coordinate high-risk work, safe work practices, and planned shutdowns with client stakeholders.
Ensure timely completion of work orders within the contracted scope and accurate maintenance of asset, building, and service data in the CMMS.
Ensure work follows client-established procedures and standards, recommending refinements and implementing client-approved changes.
Coordinate with landlords, property managers, managing agents, and vendors to address building conditions and client requirements.
Partner with project teams, general contractors, landlords, and designated vendors to deliver projects consistent with client requirements, budgets, and schedules.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets with the client, account finance team, and facilities leadership.
Monitor account and portfolio financial performance, including expenditures, forecasts, budget variances, and operating initiatives.
Partner with Newmark Client Accounting on accounting practices, reporting, and financial controls.
Ensure purchase orders, invoices, and service expenditures comply with approved budgets, contractual requirements, and authorization procedures.
Identify and implement cost savings, cost avoidance, operating efficiencies, and portfolio performance improvements.
Support long-range real estate and capital planning through requirements gathering, financial analysis, business case development, and execution oversight.
Lead, coach, and develop account and facilities management teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and client-focused service.
Establish staffing plans and defined roles to support account requirements and operational continuity.
Set performance and development goals, conduct performance reviews, and make compensation recommendations for direct reports.
Monitor team performance, address concerns, and support professional development.
Directly 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, and ongoing performance management.
Ensure vendor contracts and purchasing activities comply with client and Newmark requirements.
Monitor service provider performance against contractual commitments, quality standards, and established metrics.
Maintain contract documentation, purchasing records, and invoice verification processes; resolve vendor performance issues and implement corrective actions.
Oversee compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and client and Newmark environmental, health, and safety policies.
Follow client life science site procedures, including GMP requirements only when applicable to the contracted scope; the client retains ownership of its 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 planning; ensure teams maintain emergency procedures, conduct required drills, 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 opportunities to improve facility performance.
Track and report KPIs, service-level measures, and account objectives against client-approved operating standards.
Provide regular reporting on service performance, portfolio conditions, financial results, risks, and improvement initiatives.
Use portfolio data and stakeholder feedback to identify service gaps and implement corrective actions.
Promote consistent processes across facilities operations and other contracted service lines, recommending program improvements 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 on account onboarding and transitions of client real estate and facilities functions.
Coordinate operational requirements, staffing and technical readiness, vendor integration, and service delivery processes to support transitions.
Maintain operational continuity and alignment with client expectations during transition and stabilization.