Area Workplace Services Lead

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

WPP is seeking an Area Workplace Services Lead in Sydney to drive the delivery of exceptional workplace services across multiple campus locations, owning the budget forecast and vendor performance while upholding global standards, HSSE and space management. The role combines financial stewardship with outsourced FM and Food & Beverage oversight, strong stakeholder collaboration, and data driven reporting to the central REWS team. You should bring a bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in facilities or workplace services, proven negotiation and communications skills, and experience with large scale projects and sustainability. To apply, tailor your resume to highlight cost savings, SLA governance, change management, and leadership of outsourced teams; cite concrete outcomes, certifications like CFM or FMP if you have them, and demonstrate digital dexterity with workplace analytics. WPP values inclusion and hybrid collaboration; apply via the WPP careers site and prepare examples of how you would foster an engaging environment on campus.

ROLE PURPOSE

To lead and manage the delivery of exceptional workplace services across a portfolio of campus locations, ensuring a safe, productive, inspirational and engaging environment for employees, visitors, and contractors. This includes full accountability for budget, forecast and financial performance, adherence to global standards, and the effective management of outsourced FM and Food & Beverage providers.

What you'll be doing:

• Financial Management: Develop, manage, and be fully accountable for the annual budget, forecasting, and financial performance of assigned campus Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service quality.
• Vendor Management: Oversee the performance of outsourced FM and Food & Beverage providers, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met, and contracts are managed effectively. Conduct regular performance reviews and address any performance issues promptly.
• Operational Excellence: Ensure all campus locations adhere to global standards of operational excellence, including maintenance, cleaning, security, workplace strategy and space management.
• Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE): Champion a strong HSSE culture, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and internal Implement and maintain emergency response plans and business continuity procedures.
• Workplace Experience: Create and maintain accessible, inclusive, and world class campus locations that enhance the employee experience and support
• Space Management: Oversee re-stacks and space planning activities, ensuring compliance with HSSE, floor plans, branding guidelines, and space utilization targets.
• Data and Reporting: Provide accurate and timely data and reports to the central REWS team as required.
• General Management: Oversee as an escalation point for aspects of the day-to-day operations of assigned campus locations, addressing any issues or concerns promptly and effectively.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including business leaders, employees, and vendors.

Who you'll be working with:

• Regional Director REWS (Reporting Line)
• Outsourced FM Teams
• Food & Beverage Providers
• Central REWS Team (Space Planning, Procurement, HSSE, etc.)
• IT, HR & Security Departments
• Business Unit Leaders
• Employees
• Contractors

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in workplace services management, facilities management, or a related role.
• Proven experience in managing outsourced FM and Food & Beverage
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and
• In-depth knowledge of HSSE regulations and best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Experience with workplace management systems and data analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of space planning principles and practices.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects and change initiatives.
• Knowledge of sustainability principles and practices.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CFM, FMP) are a plus

Competencies:

• Digital Dexterity: Proficient in workplace systems, data analytics, and digital tools to drive efficiency.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to partner effectively with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders, building trusted relationships and aligning on shared goals.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Applies sound judgment and analytical skills to address complex workplace challenges.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a growth mindset and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Innovation & Improvement: Proactively identifies opportunities and implements creative solutions to enhance the workplace experience.
• Change Management: Leads and supports change initiatives with minimal operational disruption.
• Leadership (Indirect): Motivates and guides outsourced/vendor teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Business & Strategic Acumen: Understands broader business priorities and aligns workplace services accordingly.
• Vendor & Contract Management: Experienced in contract development, negotiation, performance monitoring, and compliance.
• Procurement & Sourcing: Applies strategic sourcing principles and ensures responsible, ethical procurement practices.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong, collaborative vendor partnerships.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

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