EMEA Operations Director

Description:

About the Role:

Reporting to the Alliance Director you will lead the operational delivery of one of EMEA's most prestigious integrated facilities management accounts in the technology sector. This is a rare opportunity to direct operations across a world-class portfolio spanning prestige corporate headquarters, innovation campuses, and cutting-edge Labs - shaping the workplace environments where the next generation of technology is conceived, built, and brought to life.

What You'll Do:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Own the EMEA operational delivery strategy, translating the alliance vision into actionable regional plans that drive performance, innovation, and client satisfaction
Direct operations across 40+ locations encompassing prestige offices, data centres, innovation labs, and specialist Labs facilities requiring bespoke operational protocols
Lead and develop a team of Regional/Country Operations Managers and specialist engineers, building a high-performance culture of accountability, collaboration, and
continuous improvement
Serve as the senior escalation point for all operational matters, ensuring rapid resolution and proactive risk management across the portfolio
Performance & Commercial Excellence

Drive consistent achievement and outperformance of contractual KPIs/SLAs across all EMEA locations, implementing robust governance and performance management frameworks
Own regional P&L accountability, managing operational budgets, identifying cost efficiencies, and delivering measurable value to the client and the business
Lead capital planning and project delivery for the region - identifying lifecycle investment needs, preparing business cases, and overseeing execution of capital programmes
Develop and manage the regional supply chain strategy including vendor procurement, RFP management, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management of subcontractors
Safety, Compliance & Sustainability

Champion a zero-harm safety culture across all operations, ensuring full compliance with local regulations, client standards, and industry frameworks (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001)
Drive the sustainability and net-zero agenda - implementing energy management programmes, monitoring utility consumption, and delivering against ESG targets and science-based reduction commitments
Ensure regulatory compliance across 20 jurisdictions, maintaining expert awareness of varying national codes, fire & life safety requirements, and environmental legislation

Innovation & Client Partnership

Act as a trusted advisor to the client's EMEA Workplace leadership team - bringing market intelligence, operational innovation, and thought leadership that elevates the partnership
Drive digital transformation of FM operations: CMMS/CAFM optimisation, IoT sensor deployment, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision making
Develop and embed operational playbooks, standard operating procedures, and best-practice frameworks that ensure consistency and scalability across the portfolio
Lead mobilisation and integration of new sites into the account, ensuring seamless transition and rapid achievement of steady-state operational maturity

What You'll Need:
Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business, or related discipline
Held roles within Senior FM/operations leadership, with demonstrable experience at Director level on large-scale IFM accounts
Proven multi-country/multi-site operational management across EMEA (minimum 10+ locations)
Track record managing portfolios of £30M+ annual operational spend
Experience in technology sector, life sciences, or similarly complex/high-specification environments
Strong commercial acumen - P&L ownership, budget management, and contract governance
Experience leading teams of 100+ across multiple geographies and cultures
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