Space Planning Lead - U.S. Office Lab Plant

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Space Planning Lead is responsible for leading space planning, and layout optimization across U.S. office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.

This role ensures that all spaces are efficient, compliant, and aligned with operational and employee needs, while supporting evolving workplace strategies and specialized technical requirements. The leader drives high-quality design outcomes that enhance employee experience, optimize utilization, and integrate safety and security considerations into the built environment.

This role reports to the Head of US Office, Lab & Plant Real Estate & Corporate Security.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Space Planning Leadership

• Lead all space planning for U.S. non-clinic assets, including offices, laboratories, and manufacturing sites.
• Oversee space planning efforts for relocations, renovations, and reconfigurations, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain space planning standards and guidelines to ensure consistency, scalability, and quality across all asset types.

Space Optimization & Portfolio Efficiency

• Drive space planning initiatives to maximize portfolio efficiency and optimize layouts across offices, labs, and plants.
• Balance utilization, flexibility, and specialized technical requirements across diverse asset types.
• Partner with Transactions and Facilities teams to align solutions with portfolio strategy and operational needs.

Workplace Experience & Technical Environment Design

• Deliver dynamic, employee-centric environments for office and lab employees, enhancing engagement and workplace experience.
• Incorporate specialized space planning requirements for laboratories and manufacturing environments, ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance.
• Integrate security considerations into all solutions, including access control, visibility, and risk mitigation.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure space planning complies with applicable healthcare, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain high standards for quality, consistency, and durability across all design outputs.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and operational stakeholders to ensure adherence to standards and requirements.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a team of space planners
• Collaborate closely with Transactions, Construction, Facilities Management, Corporate Security, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Serve as a strategic advisor on space utilization, and workplace experience.
• Partner with the Global Real Estate Center of Excellence (CoE) to align on standards, tools, and best practices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimal domestic travel is expected for this position.

SUPERVISION:

• Manages a team of professionals

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, or related field required
• Advanced degree preferred
• Professional certifications (e.g., AIA, NCIDQ, or equivalent) preferred

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• 10–12+ years of experience in design, space planning, or architectural leadership
• Strong experience across multi-asset environments (offices, laboratories, manufacturing)
• Deep understanding of workplace strategy, space utilization, and technical environment design
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements for lab and manufacturing environments
• Proven ability to lead complex design initiatives across multiple locations
• Strong collaboration skills with construction, facilities, and operational teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance design excellence with cost, schedule, and operational constraints

If your location allows for pay/benefit transparency, please click the link below to request further information on this position.   Pay Transparency Request Form