Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. Our approximately 1,000 lawyers located in 10 offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.
Position Summary
The Director, Global Facilities is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for the firm’s leasing and construction activities around the world and for leading and developing the firm’s facilities, maintenance and supplies teams. This leadership position will help drive the firm’s global real estate and facilities strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational excellence across all locations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ensure that critical lease dates for all offices are tracked; advise firm leadership in advance of any deadlines requiring our action, providing appropriate analysis and strategic recommendations for action steps
- Review leases and provide lease comments, working with outside legal counsel, firm leadership and outside brokers to incorporate all required clauses
- Review construction documents, contracts, change orders and provide insight and comments to ensure Davis Polk requirements will be met
- Evaluate space requirements, analyze market and other conditions to appropriately advise leadership on opportunities to address them
- Work with brokers, outside real estate lawyers and project consultants to develop proposals, lease strategies and lease documents for firm leadership
- Oversee architects, contractors, and other consultants on major renovations or new construction
- Manage construction project budget in conjunction with outside project managers and internal finance team, reviewing project-related invoices and change orders, tracking spend, submitting requests for landlord tenant improvement allowance payments and so on.
- Engage with landlord’s engineering staff and professional mechanical and electrical engineers or other consultants to ensure the reliability and cost effectiveness of building systems and other infrastructure in all office locations.
- Manage the firm’s facilities, maintenance, and supplies teams, including their hiring, development, direction and performance management
- Manage project assignments of facilities team members, ensuring appropriate project coverage and oversight
- Help lead change management initiatives related to real estate and facilities modernization across the organization
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the firm’s strategic objectives
- Work with Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administrative Officer on other significant projects as may be required
Qualifications/Position Requirements
- Familiarity with real estate and leasing required. Must be able to read and understand leases and other contracts/legalese. Real estate/legal background preferred
- Demonstrated success leading and managing a large, cross-functional and high-performing team
- Ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to maintain utmost discretion of confidential information
- Ability to maintain professional composure in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment
- Experience managing large construction projects with a sharp eye for detail
- Highly motivated, responsive and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans in a complex, multi-site environment
- Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational change
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for large-scale projects
- Available to travel extensively as necessary
- Experience leading a busy team
Education/Experience
- BA or BS; JD or MBA preferred
- 10+ years’ experience leading complex commercial facilities projects
- 5+ years’ personnel management experience
- 5+ years’ experience in a professional services environment; law firm experience preferred.
- Experience in a global organization preferred
Compensation
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $250,000 - $320,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
