GDS Ops WES Leader

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Job Title: Director – Workplace Enablement Services (WES)

Job Summary

The 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 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
  
  

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