Workplace Lead

Polymarket•New York, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Polymarket is seeking a strategic Workplace Lead to manage its physical space and enhance the employee experience. This role reports to the Head of People Experience and will oversee the Office Manager and Receptionist. Initially, the focus will be on managing the NYC HQ, with future responsibilities including scaling operations for a growing company (200-500 people) and leading a significant office build-out. The position requires treating the office as a product, continuously improving it to match the company's work intensity. Key responsibilities include managing the team, budget, vendors, and the overall look and feel of Polymarket's offices, aiming to make the workplace an attractive destination for employees.

Requirements

7–10+ years of experience in workplace, office operations, or facilities management, preferably at a high-growth startup or tech company.
Proven experience managing people within a workplace operations context.
Demonstrated experience building a workplace function and leading the team responsible for day-to-day operations.
Experience leading a major office build-out or relocation project.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and vendors, including negotiation and accountability.
Ability to build durable systems rather than relying on temporary fixes.
Demonstrated extreme ownership and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and a strong sense of aesthetics for office design and functionality.
Excellent communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with executives, engineers, and contractors.
Adaptability in communication style to suit different audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience in fintech, crypto, or fast-moving startup environments.
Specific experience managing office build-outs in New York City.
Event planning background (internal or external).
Familiarity with workplace tools such as Notion and Slack.
Experience partnering directly with People Operations/HR on culture programming.

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day operations of the NYC HQ, ensuring high standards for space, supplies, furniture, and overall atmosphere.
Oversee vendor selection and management for services such as cleaning, catering, and facilities maintenance.
Develop, manage, and track the workplace budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities.
Ensure the office environment effectively represents Polymarket's brand to investors, candidates, and partners.
Collaborate with IT and Security teams on office systems like visitor management, room booking, inventory, and maintenance, ensuring scalability.
Implement and maintain sustainable and accessible workplace practices, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, recycling, and ADA compliance.
Own workplace health and safety, conducting routine checks, ensuring ergonomic standards, and complying with local regulations.
Manage emergency preparedness, including evacuation plans, drills, and business continuity in coordination with the Security team.
Work with Security on physical access control and incident response protocols.
Build, manage, and develop the workplace team, setting goals, providing coaching, and maintaining high performance standards.
Create playbooks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient office operations.
Serve as a key workplace partner for People, Finance, IT, and Security departments.
Track and report on workplace metrics such as utilization, employee satisfaction, and spending to leadership.
Oversee the in-office events program, including logistics for happy hours, celebrations, and All Hands meetings.
Partner with the People team on culture programming, including swag, welcome kits, recognition, onboarding, and seasonal initiatives.
Utilize the office space and calendar to foster in-person connections as the company grows.
Manage the landlord relationship, ensuring lease compliance, adherence to local ordinances, and strong partnerships with building management and city officials.
Collaborate with internal designers and external architects/interior teams on office build-out projects, managing timelines, permitting, furniture, and the move process.
Scope and develop new office spaces as Polymarket expands its real estate footprint.