The VP of Global Workplace and Safety will have oversight for Okta’s workplace strategy, including the corporate real estate portfolio, sustainability and construction projects, physical security, and workplace operations across AMER, EMEA and APJ regions. The role will report to the Chief People & Places Officer and ensure a safe, productive, and compliant work environment that supports business objectives and Okta’s company values.

This is a hybrid role based at Okta’s San Francisco or Bellevue office. The person in this role must have the ability to be in the office 3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Define and implement a global workplace and location strategy that supports company growth, drives collaboration, and strengthens Okta’s culture

• Oversee workplace design, operations, and maintenance. Partner with HR and Business Technology (IT) to create flexible and inclusive work solutions tailored to organizational needs, while adhering to internal standards and policies, government regulations and environmental, health and security standards

• Lead the company’s global real estate portfolio, including acquisition, leasing, optimization, and divestment strategies. Identify innovative solutions that optimize square footage requirements to meet a dynamic business environment.

• Conduct market analysis and financial modeling to inform real estate decisions; ensure all real estate transactions align with the company’s location strategy, long-term growth plans, and cost management goals.

• Oversee initiatives to reduce energy consumption, waste, carbon footprint across the global real estate portfolio. Partner with the Social Impact and Sustainability Team to report progress on ESG goals and compliance with environmental regulations.

• Lead and monitor global physical security programs to protect employees, assets, and facilities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards across all regions of operation. Conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify risks and implement corrective actions.

• Develop and implement emergency response, crisis management, and disaster recovery plans in collaboration with Corporate Communications.

• Monitor industry trends, emerging risks, and best practices to enhance safety programs, operations, and technology.

• Lead and manage a global team of workplace and safety professionals, fostering growth and development, accountability, and a sense of belonging. Develop internal and external capabilities needed to drive excellence, customer satisfaction, and a high performance culture.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including company senior leadership, HR, Business Technology, Finance, and Security to align the workplace and safety strategy with business objectives while amplifying a culture of security.

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators for workplace efficiency, real estate, and safety performance. Utilize data and analytics to optimize workplace operations and inform strategic decision-making.

• Manage and monitor CapEx and OpEx budgets and resources for Global Workplace and Safety Team ensuring accurate reporting of expenses aligned to company approved spending guidelines.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 12 years of experience in workplace strategy, corporate real estate, or physical security with at least 8 years in a direct people management role

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Architecture, Hospitality, Security Management, or related field.

• Advanced degree in Business, Real Estate, or Security Management preferred.

• Ability to be in the office 3 days per week based in our San Francisco or Bellevue office

• Regular travel between global offices required.

• Must have strong management and leadership skills with experience driving complex global projects and building business relationships with cross-functional teams and vendors

• Excellent, interpersonal, technical and analytical skills required.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills required.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office or G-Suite with strong systems knowledge.

• Understanding of financial systems and programs to ensure development of achievable CapEx and OpEx plans that meet business requirements; strong risk assessment and judgment skills

• Willing and able to work hands-on and with a sense of urgency, in a fast-paced, dynamic business environment

• Demonstrated enterprise mindset with experience in strategic business planning and execution using a multi-faceted approach.

• Ability to absorb multiple diverse inputs from senior leaders and key stakeholders to develop a rational plan and recommendation

Okta’s Top 5 Core Leadership Competencies are part of the deeply ingrained principles that guide all of our company’s actions. They also align strongly to our our Okta values: love our customers, always secure always on, build and own it, and deliver what’s next. It’s our expectation that our leaders embody these core competencies:

• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.          

• Demonstrates Self-Awareness (EQ): Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.

• Develops Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.

• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.

• Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies

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