Senior Occupancy Planner – Design Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Provide support to a prominent financial services client across workplace and retail portfolios.

• Lead initiatives for occupancy planning and ensure adherence to standards and branding for renovation and new construction projects from programming to completion.

• Collaborate with Corporate Real Estate, Workplace Experience, Project Management, and business leaders to determine workplace needs and convert them into effective planning solutions.

• Create stack plans, conduct test fits, feasibility studies, capacity analyses, and scenario modeling.

• Examine occupancy, utilization, and portfolio data to uncover optimization prospects and formulate strategic recommendations.

• Establish and maintain workplace standards, planning guidelines, and brand governance criteria.

• Oversee and provide guidance on architectural and design outputs from programming to construction.

• Assist in workplace transformation efforts, relocations, consolidations, and portfolio optimization initiatives.

• Develop presentations and recommendations for executive-level client stakeholders and leadership teams.

• Work alongside project teams to align occupancy needs, design standards, budgets, and timelines.

• Foster partnerships across Corporate Real Estate Strategy, Portfolio Planning, Workplace Experience, Project Management, Facilities Management, Architecture, Design, Construction, and business groups.

• Analyze occupancy and utilization data, identify patterns, and propose actionable recommendations to support business objectives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.

• At least 7-10+ years of experience in workplace planning, occupancy planning, architecture, interior design, or related areas.

• Experience with financial services institutions, retail banking environments—especially branch banks—or large corporate portfolios is highly desirable.

• Proven track record of leading corporate workplace renovations, workplace transformation projects, and/or retail design assignments.

• In-depth understanding of occupancy planning methodologies, workplace standards, utilization analytics, and portfolio planning.

• Demonstrated ability to create and assess feasibility studies, scenario models, test fits, and space allocation plans.

• Experience collaborating with architects, designers, and project managers throughout project lifecycles.

• Comprehensive knowledge of workplace guidelines, spatial relationships, furniture planning, and building systems.

• Familiarity with local building codes, ADA requirements, and accessibility standards.

• Awareness of WELL Building Standard, LEED certification, and sustainability initiatives is preferred.

• Proficient in PowerPoint with the capability to design executive-level presentations and planning recommendations.

• Familiar with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam, and Matterport platforms.

• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, and presentation creation.

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Exceptional relationship-building, organizational, analytical, strategic, collaborative, and adaptable abilities.

🏝️ Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching contributions from the company.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care coverage.

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.

• Opportunities for career development.

• Well-being programs available.

• A supportive and inclusive work culture.

• Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.