Director of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM)

Director of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM)

The Director of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) serves as the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and financial management of a complex Integrated Facilities Management portfolio. This role partners closely with client leadership and internal stakeholders to ensure facilities operations align with organizational objectives, contractual commitments, and long-term business strategies. The Director provides leadership across multiple locations and service lines, including engineering, maintenance, workplace services, janitorial operations, life safety, capital planning, and vendor management. Accountable for portfolio performance, client satisfaction, financial results, regulatory compliance, and talent development, this role drives operational excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation throughout the portfolio. As the primary client relationship leader for the assigned portfolio, the Director is responsible for fostering executive-level partnerships, identifying opportunities for operational enhancement, and ensuring service delivery standards consistently exceed client expectations. This position is based within Minnesota and requires regular travel throughout the assigned client portfolio.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for integrated facilities management operations across the assigned portfolio.
• Develop and execute portfolio strategies that align with client objectives, contractual obligations, and organizational goals.
• Ensure consistent delivery of integrated facility services, including engineering, maintenance, janitorial, workplace services, life safety, and support functions.
• Establish operational priorities, performance expectations, and service standards to drive excellence and continuous improvement.
• Lead operational reviews and business planning initiatives to identify efficiencies, improve service performance, and enhance client value.
• Promote standardization, best practices, and innovation across all locations within the portfolio.
• Partner with Global IFM Operations leadership to implement strategic initiatives and enterprise-wide programs.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary executive-level point of contact for client stakeholders.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with client leadership through proactive engagement and consultative partnership.
• Lead regular business reviews and present operational, financial, and performance results to client and executive stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between facilities operations and client business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for service enhancements, operational efficiencies, and value-added solutions.
• Escalate significant operational, financial, or contractual risks as appropriate and develop mitigation strategies.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Own portfolio-wide operating and capital budgets, ensuring financial performance meets or exceeds established targets.
• Lead annual budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial planning activities.
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to improve cost efficiency and operational value.
• Oversee capital planning initiatives, providing strategic direction and execution oversight for approved projects.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, accrual management, invoice processing, and contract compliance.
• Drive accountability for budget ownership throughout the management team.
• Support business growth opportunities and contribute to commercial discussions impacting the portfolio.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Regional Facilities Managers, Senior Facilities Managers, Facilities Managers, and supporting teams.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, engagement, and customer service excellence.
• Develop succession planning and leadership development strategies to strengthen organizational capability.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention initiatives.
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular performance reviews and development discussions.
• Champion employee engagement, diversity, inclusion, and professional growth initiatives.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Provide oversight of vendor and supplier relationships to ensure delivery of services in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for third-party service providers.
• Monitor service-level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and contract compliance.
• Evaluate supplier performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Drive vendor optimization strategies to maximize service quality and financial performance.
• Ensure Master Service Agreement (MSA) compliance across the portfolio.

Risk Management, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and client-specific regulations and standards.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability across all facilities operations.
• Oversee environmental health and safety programs, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and incident management processes.
• Identify operational, financial, safety, and compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure subcontractor activities are performed safely, professionally, and in accordance with approved procedures.
• Lead investigations, corrective actions, and reporting activities related to safety and compliance incidents.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Acumen
• Executive Presence
• Client Relationship Management
• Business Planning & Execution
• Talent Development & Coaching
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Change Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Communication & Presentation Skills

Education

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Corporate Real Estate, Construction Management, or related field.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related discipline.

Required Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Facilities Management, Corporate Real Estate, or Integrated Facilities Management environments.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-site portfolios across multiple regions.
• Experience leading facility operations that include both hard and soft service delivery.
• Proven responsibility for significant operating and capital budgets.
• Experience developing executive-level client relationships and leading strategic business reviews.
• Strong track record of leading managers, developing teams, and driving organizational performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
• Facility Management Professional (FMP)
• Real Property Administrator (RPA)
• Certified Property Manager (CPM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
• Strong knowledge of CMMS systems, financial reporting platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel as necessary to support portfolio operations and client needs.

Work Environment

This position operates within professional office and client environments and requires periodic travel to facilities throughout the assigned portfolio. Responsibilities may include visits to operational areas, construction sites, mechanical rooms, rooftops, and other building infrastructure locations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information; operate a computer and standard office equipment; move throughout office and facility environments; remain stationary for extended periods; and occasionally access mechanical, operational, and construction areas during facility inspections.

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.

The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.

The compensation for the position is: $ 1