GDS Ops WES leader

Job Title: Associate Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES)

Job Summary

The Associate Director – WES Operations will lead the strategy, transformation, and governance of the firm’s workplace ecosystem to deliver an exceptional experience for our people and clients. The role blends operational excellence with visionary leadership to create safe, sustainable, and people-centric workplaces that promote collaboration, innovation, and business agility.

Working closely with leadership across Service Lines, Enablement Functions, and Global Teams, the Associate Director will ensure the firm’s workplaces align with its values, purpose, and strategic priorities, supporting one integrated global brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Transformation
• • Develop a forward-looking workplace strategy aligned with the firm’s hybrid work model, business growth, and global standards.
  • Lead continuous improvement and operational transformation programs emphasizing experience, efficiency, and sustainability.
  • Leverage technology, data, and analytics to optimize operational decisions and future space planning.
  • Partner with business leadership to translate organizational needs into actionable, scalable workplace solutions.

• Workplace Design, Space Utilization & Real Estate Operations
  • Oversee space and real estate strategy to ensure optimal utilization, flexibility, and alignment with business needs.
  • Collaborate with global real estate and design teams to maintain premium workplace aesthetics and functionality.
  • Conduct predictive utilization studies to inform long-term capacity and investment decisions.

• Facilities & Operations Excellence
  • Manage delivery of high-quality, safe, hygienic, and efficient facilities operations supporting seamless business continuity.
  • Drive vendor governance, performance monitoring, and global process standardization.
  • Advance ESG and sustainability initiatives within workplace operations, supporting firm-wide environmental goals.
  • Manage financial and commercial budgets, with the ability to optimize operational costs while enhancing experience and service quality.

• Safety, Security & Well-being
  • Oversee comprehensive safety, security, and business resilience programs.
  • Foster a culture of compliance, prevention, and proactive risk management.
  • Drive health and well-being initiatives ensuring the workplace supports physical and psychological safety.

• Guest Experience & Hospitality Services
  • Lead hospitality, event, and mobility services consistent with the firm’s brand promise of Exceptional Client Service.
  • Manage logistics for meetings, conferences, travel, and global mobility requirements including visas, accommodation, and onboarding for inbound travellers.
  • Ensure an elevated client and visitor experience integrating professionalism and efficiency.

• Employee Transport & Mobility
  • Direct employee transportation programs that ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
  • Implement technology-based transport monitoring and route optimization tools.
  • Align Employee Transport services with inclusion, well-being, and flexible working policies.

Cross-Functional Integration & Reporting Structure

This position will directly report to the India Location Leader/ Chief Operating Officer  and work in close partnership with:

• Real Estate & Facilities – to align property strategy, design, and operations with firm growth and sustainability objectives.
• Human Resources – to integrate workplace programs with employee engagement, inclusion, and well-being initiatives.
• Technology & Digital Transformation – to embed smart workplace technologies, analytics, and automation into daily operations.
• Finance – for budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization governance.
• Risk, Compliance & Security – to uphold safety standards, business continuity, and regulatory adherence.
• Global Shared Services & Sustainability Teams – to ensure consistency with global frameworks and firm-wide ESG commitments.

Leadership Behaviours & Culture Alignment

• Integrity: Demonstrates ethical leadership, transparent governance, and accountability in all operations.
• Inclusive Leadership: Promotes diversity, equity, and belonging in workplace decisions and team management.
• Innovation: Champions new technologies, digital tools, and sustainable practices that future-proof the workplace.
• Collaboration: Builds trusted relationships across functions and geographies for shared success.
• Excellence: Embodies the firm’s commitment to high performance and Exceptional Client Service.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or Business Administration; MBA or master’s preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Workplace operations, corporate real estate, hospitality or facilities management within professional services (Big 4 experience preferred).
• Demonstrable expertise in operational transformation, cost optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and data-driven leadership skills.
• Experience managing large, distributed teams, third-party vendors, and multi-site portfolios.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and Analytical Leadership
• Operational Transformation & Process Optimization
• Global Collaboration & Governance
• Employee-Centric Design & Engagement
• Business Continuity & Risk Management
• Sustainability & Innovation Mindset

Performance Metrics

• Employee engagement and satisfaction scores
• Operational cost reduction and efficiency benchmarks
• Space utilization, safety, and sustainability KPIs
• Service quality and compliance audit results
• Client and visitor experience ratings

Shorter executive summary version

Associate Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES)

Role Overview

The Associate Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES) leads the strategic transformation of the firm’s workplaces into innovative, safe, and people-centric environments that enable exceptional client service. This role focuses on operational excellence, cost optimization, and employee experience—delivering scalable, efficient, and sustainable solutions that reflect the firm’s global standards and culture of integrity, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and execute workplace strategy aligning with firm growth, hybrid working, and business agility.
• Lead end-to-end management of facilities, real estate, safety, and workplace services ensuring operational excellence and continuity.
• Oversee space planning, predictive utilization, and sustainable workplace design to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Drive digital transformation through analytics, automation, and smart workplace solutions.
• Ensure robust safety, security, and well-being programs that uphold a risk-free, compliant, and inclusive work environment.
• Manage hospitality, guest experience, to ensure seamless client and employee service.
• Direct employee transportation programs that ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency including technology implementation considering inclusion, wellbeing and flexible working policies.
• Collaborate closely with Real Estate, HR, Technology, Finance, and Risk & Compliance teams to deliver integrated workplace outcomes.

Leadership & Culture

• Acts with integrity, transparency, and accountability in all operations.
• Fosters inclusivity and well-being while empowering teams across geographies.
• Champions innovation and continuous improvement.
• Promotes collaboration and shared success across all business functions.
• Delivers excellence consistent with the firm’s global brand and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Facilities Management; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Workplace operations, corporate real estate, hospitality or facilities management within professional services.
• Proven experience in operational transformation, cost management, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong financial, stakeholder engagement, and vendor governance acumen.

Success Indicators

• Enhanced employee engagement and workplace satisfaction.
• Operational cost efficiency and sustainability performance.
• Improved space utilization and service delivery metrics.
• Safety, compliance, and client experience excellence.

Professional-ready job posting template

Associate Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES)

Function: Operations

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our team as the Associate Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES). This role will shape the future of our workplaces—transforming them into safe, sustainable, and human-centred environments that empower our people and enable exceptional client outcomes.

The successful candidate will drive strategic workplace transformation initiatives, optimize operations, and create innovative, scalable solutions that enhance employee experience, operational efficiency, and business agility. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by redefining how we work, connect, and collaborate across our global network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of a forward-focused workplace strategy aligned with firm priorities, hybrid work models, and sustainability goals.
• Oversee end-to-end operations across real estate, facilities management, safety, and hospitality services—ensuring efficiency, compliance, and continuity.
• Drive digital and process transformation initiatives that enhance space utilization, workplace performance, and employee well-being.
• Partner with Service Line Leaders, Real Estate, Talent, Technology, Risk, and Finance to deliver integrated, people-centric solutions.
• Build and sustain a culture of safety, inclusivity, and performance excellence across all firm locations.
• Ensure premium client and visitor experience through seamless, high-touch hospitality and mobility services.
• Direct employee transportation programs that ensure safety, reliability, and operational efficiency including technology implementation considering inclusion, wellbeing and flexible working policies.

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of progressive experience in Workplace operations, corporate real estate, hospitality or facilities management within professional services.
• Strong strategic leadership and transformation experience in managing complex, multi-site operations.
• Solid financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to optimize operational costs while enhancing experience and service quality.
• Experience leading through influence, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
• Deep understanding of workplace innovation, sustainability, and global health & safety standards.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Facilities Management; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

Leadership & Culture

• Integrity – Acting with transparency, ethics, and accountability.
• Collaboration – Building trusted relationships across functions and borders.
• Innovation – Driving continuous improvement and embracing new ways of working.
• Inclusion – Creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
• Excellence – Upholding the highest standards in everything we do.

      Success Measures

• Improved employee engagement and workplace satisfaction scores.
• Operational efficiency and cost optimization achievements.
• Enhancement of sustainability, health, and safety metrics.
• Exceptional client and visitor experience ratings.