CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS)
Workplace Operations Lead

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About the Role
The Workplace Operations Lead is responsible for managing and optimizing the daily operations of workplace facilities to ensure a safe, efficient, and engaging environment for employees. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on coordination of services, space planning, and vendor management to support business continuity and employee experience. This job is part of the Operations Management job function. They are responsible for coordinating staff functions and operations that support the organization's goals and strategies.
What You'll Do
- Provide formal supervision for employees.
- Monitor the training and development of staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations and coaching.
- Oversee the recruiting and hiring of new employees.
- Coordinate and manage the team's daily activities.
- Establish work schedules, assign tasks, and cross-train staff.
- Set and track staff and department deadlines.
- Mentor and coach as needed.
- Assist with providing efficient and effective strategic operations. This includes revenue growth and profitability, new business development, etc.
- Apply a robust knowledge of multiple disciplines, the business, and key drivers which impact departmental and cross-functional performance.
- Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values.
- Persuade managers and colleagues to act while guided by the organization's functional business plans.
- Negotiate with external partners, vendors, and customers of divergent interests to reach a common goal.
- Oversee maintenance, repairs, and renovations of office facilities.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Coordinate with vendors and internal teams for facility upkeep.
- Streamline and standardise account processes to improve service delivery and reduce costs.
- Monitor and report on KPIs related to workplace operations.
- Lead with Site leads on the negotiation and management of contracts with service providers (e.g., cleaning, security, catering).
- Ensure high-quality service delivery and performance.
- Prepare and manage operational budgets.
- Lead on client reporting for budget accountability.
- Track expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Develop and maintain emergency response plans.
- Conduct regular safety audits and drills.
- Address employee concerns related to workplace facilities.
- Organize initiatives that enhance engagement and satisfaction.
- Lead on client reporting for operational activities - including budget, safety, workplace experience, risk and PjM project progress.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field.
- Experience in managing workplace or facility operations.
- Proven leadership and team management skills.
- Strong organizational and problem solving abilities.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Experience in the areas of staffing, selection, training, development, coaching, appraising, and rewarding performance and retention is preferred.
- Ability to lead the exchange of sensitive, complicated, and difficult mentoring, measuring, information, convey expectations, and handle problems.
- Leadership skills to set, manage and achieve targets with direct impact.


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Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
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