Strategic Occupancy Planner Corporate Real Estate

Job Description

Strategic & Occupancy Planner (Corporate Real Estate)

The Strategic & Occupancy Planner plays a pivotal role in optimizing an organization's corporate real estate portfolio by seamlessly integrating long-term strategic vision with detailed, data-driven occupancy planning. This individual is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive real estate strategies that align with business objectives, while also managing day-to-day occupancy and space utilization to ensure efficiency, employee well-being, and cost-effectiveness across the portfolio.

This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to translate high-level business goals into actionable real estate and space solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with senior leadership, business units, and finance to develop a holistic, multi-year corporate real estate strategy that supports organizational growth, talent attraction/retention, and financial objectives.

Develop and maintain accurate headcount forecasts and demand plans in partnership with HR and business leaders to anticipate future space needs and inform strategic real estate decisions.

Conduct in-depth analysis of the existing real estate portfolio, including space utilization rates, occupancy costs, and market trends, to identify opportunities for optimization, consolidation, and strategic investment or divestment.

Create high-level block and stack plans for buildings and campuses, effectively allocating space to departments and business units based on strategic adjacencies, growth projections, and functional requirements.

Develop and evaluate various real estate and occupancy scenarios, assessing their financial implications (e.g., NPV, ROI) to support decision-making and quantify the value of proposed solutions.

Maintain accurate occupancy data within Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) or Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) platforms. Generate and present comprehensive reports and dashboards on occupancy trends, utilization metrics, and strategic portfolio performance to stakeholders.

Apply and contribute to the evolution of workplace standards, guidelines, and best practices related to space allocation, design, ergonomics, and employee experience, ensuring consistency across the portfolio.

Partner with facilities, project management, and business units to plan and execute major internal relocations, restacks, expansions, and ongoing churn, minimizing business disruption.

Serve as a primary point of contact for business units regarding both strategic real estate needs and day-to-day occupancy requirements. Facilitate discussions, gather requirements, present findings, and gain alignment on proposed solutions.

Identify potential risks related to real estate strategy and occupancy planning, ensuring compliance with relevant building codes, safety regulations, and internal policies.

Leverage and champion the use of CRE technology solutions (e.g., IWMS, business intelligence tools) to enhance data accuracy, automate processes, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both strategic and occupancy planning functions.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field. Master's degree or relevant industry certifications (e.g., CoreNet Global MCR, IFMA CFM) highly desirable.

10+ years of combined experience in corporate real estate strategic planning and occupancy planning roles, demonstrating a strong understanding of both long-term portfolio management and tactical space utilization.

Proven ability to perform complex data analysis, financial modeling, and strategic problem-solving.

High proficiency in CAFM/IWMS systems (e.g., Archibus, Tririga, Accruent), AutoCAD, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, complex formulas).

Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Demonstrated understanding of workplace trends, space optimization techniques, and the impact of real estate on business performance.

Experience with project management methodologies is beneficial.

A strategic thinker with a detail-oriented approach to execution.