Sr. Occupancy Planner

Cushman & Wakefield • Ashburn, VA

1d

About The Position

The Senior Occupancy Planner is responsible for delivering strategic and tactical space planning expertise to support effective management of supply, capacity, and demand across a client’s real estate portfolio. This role plays a key part in optimizing space utilization by developing layout options, reorganization strategies, and occupancy solutions that align with evolving business needs. Key responsibilities include managing day-to-day change requests, leading strategic planning initiatives, coordinating with stakeholders, and contributing to site strategy through space and occupancy analysis. The Senior Occupancy Planner also ensures the integrity of space data, including CAD floor plans, and provides utilization metrics to inform decision-making. This role requires strong analytical skills, project leadership, and the ability to collaborate across teams to deliver efficient, data-driven space solutions that enhance workplace functionality and employee experience.

Requirements

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret space data and develop actionable planning strategies.
• Communication: Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills for engaging stakeholders and presenting findings.
• Client Focus: Builds trust and maintains strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in data management, reporting, and documentation.
• Problem Solving: Identifies space-related challenges and develops creative, data-driven solutions.
• Collaboration: Works effectively within cross-functional teams to deliver integrated workplace solutions.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities and business needs.
• Leadership: Demonstrates project leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns occupancy planning with long-term business goals and workplace trends.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, Real Estate, Construction Management, or a related field; or 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in occupancy planning, space management, or corporate real estate.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and CAFM/IWMS platforms (iOffice preferred; TRIRIGA a plus).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP, Index/Match) and business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Strong understanding of space planning principles, workplace strategy, and utilization metrics.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and floor plans.
• Experience managing move coordination and service requests.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop user documentation and apply policy and procedure effectively.
• Familiarity with BOMA standards and poly-lining methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and lead presentations.

Nice To Haves

• Credentials in CAFM systems, AutoCAD, Corporate Real Estate, LEED, or Facilities Management (e.g., IFMA, CoreNet) are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain site-level occupancy plans, including headcount forecasts, seat supply projections, stacking plans, and scenario modeling.
• Lead strategic occupancy planning efforts, including migration plans, restacks, consolidations, and relocations.
• Analyze space utilization data through methods such as space walks and reporting tools to identify opportunities for efficiency and cost savings.
• Create conceptual and detailed layouts, stack plans, and floor plans using AutoCAD and other design tools.
• Coordinate and manage weekly small/large group moves and monthly site-to-site relocations in partnership with Facilities, Project Management, and external vendors.
• Implement move plans in accordance with approved occupancy strategies and adjust plans as business needs evolve (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations).
• Conduct site surveys, floor plan audits, and data collection to ensure space data accuracy and compliance with client standards.
• Maintain and update CAFM/IWMS systems (e.g., iOffice, TRIRIGA), including CAD floor plans and space allocation data.
• Facilitate neighborhood planning sessions, move meetings, and town halls to support change management and communication efforts.
• Provide space utilization analysis and reporting, including trends in hiring, terminations, vacancy, and forecast accuracy.
• Present findings and recommendations to clients and internal teams through operational reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to align space planning with business objectives and operational requirements.
• Recommend process improvements and innovations to enhance service delivery, cost efficiency, and data integrity.
• Support budgeting efforts for capital and operating expenses related to occupancy planning.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to team development and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure adherence to client playbooks, policies, and space planning standards.

Benefits

• Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work.
• In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees