GDS Ops WES leader

Job Title: Director Workplace Enablement Services (WES)

Job Summary

The Director WES Operations will lead the strategy transformation and governance of the firms 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 Director will ensure the firms 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 firms 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 firms 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 firms commitment to high performance and Exceptional Client Service.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Facilities Management or Business Administration; MBA or masters 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