Vice President/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning

Who You'll Work With:

We are seeking a VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning to join our Real Estate Services team.

The Real Estate Services team is accountable for the firm’s comprehensive real estate strategy, execution, and operating standards across AB’s global real estate portfolio, spanning 53 locations in 27 countries.

The team is responsible for delivering integrated real estate services, including strategic planning, transactions, lease administration, capital planning, workplace design and construction, and critical systems management, ensuring alignment with the firm’s business objectives and culture.

This team partners closely with senior leadership, Legal, Finance, Technology, and local management teams worldwide. The core mandate is to deliver employee-centric, high‑quality, resilient and efficient workplaces that embody the firm’s culture and values, support business growth, and effectively manage risk and cost over the long term.

What You'll Do:

The VP/Global Workplace Design & Space Planning is a key role providing in-house office design-related services - continuous redevelopment and ehancement of workplace design strategy to adapt to evolving business requirements across AB's global real estate portfolio. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants, this role is responsible for creating innovative, high-quality, functional, and efficient workplace environments that reflect AB’s brand, culture, and business objectives while enhancing the employee experience and delivering long-term value.
 

This role requires excellent personal hands-on space planning, interior design and 3D computer graphic skills and experience. It supports the following functions:

• Real Estate Leasing
• Design & Construction / Project Management
• Furniture, Art and Planting Management
• Branding and Signage
• Technology
• Workplace Operations

Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Help continuous redevelopment, enhancement and implementation of global workplace design strategy, standards, and design principles adapting to constantly evolving business changes.
• Ensure workplace designs promote collaboration, focus, flexibility, and productivity while complying with applicable local building codes, regulations, and sustainability standards. Balance global design consistency with the architectural character, culture, and historical context of each location.
• Support the procurement and oversight of architectural, interior design, branding, and signage consultants.
• Manage and mentor one in-house interior design/space planning direct report.
• Support the space programming process by partnering with business unit leadership, Technology, and Workplace Operations to develop comprehensive project briefs.
• In collaboration with Design & Construction / Project Management, lead the workplace design process—from in house test fit plans' development through project completion in collaboration with the project management team and external consultants, including architects, interior designers, MEP engineers, lighting, acoustical, food service, and branding/signage vendors.
• Support the Real Estate Leasing team by producing in-house multiple test-fit studies and conceptual layouts for prospective locations and renovation projects worldwide.
• Conduct space utilization analyses and develop recommendations to optimize workplace efficiency.
• Review contract documents and, when required, shop drawings to ensure compliance with the approved design intent.
• Partner with the Assets team (Furniture, Art, and Planting) in preparation of e-design presentations for client review and approval.
• Develop in-house and/or collaborate with the architectural/interior design or specialty consultants in developing signage and branding concepts, with required design studies and presentation materials.
• Maintain an accurate global database of office layouts and space plans in partnership with the Workplace Services team.
• Stay current with emerging workplace design trends, technologies, and best practices.

This is a unique role that gives an opportunity to:

• Collaborate with top talent: help to hire the best in the field and collaborate with top skilled and innovative professionals in the environment that fosters creativity and excellence.
• Engage in projects across different geographies and countries. This exposure offers a rich variety of experiences, as each location presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, from climate considerations to local building regulations, to local historical and cultural differences - all of which can significantly enhance your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Achieve professional growth while working with and learning from the best architects, interior designers and engineers in the industry.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of workplace strategy development and implementation, office interior design and space planning experience within an architectural/interior design firm.
• Excellent digital design presentation abilities; 3D freehand sketching ability is a plus.
• Strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate across diverse teams while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); knowledge of Revit is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly.
• Willingness to "go with the flow" and adapt to ever changing project requirements.
• A sense of humor and a positive attitude to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative and enjoyable work environment.
• Open-mindedness and receptiveness to feedback and new ideas.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Please provide your personal (not company) portfolio showcasing recent workplace design projects.

About AB

We are a leading global investment management firm offering high-quality research and diversified investment services to institutional clients, retail investors, and private-wealth clients in major markets around the globe. With over 4,000 employees across 57 locations operating in 26 countries and jurisdictions, our ambition is simple: to be the most trusted investment firm in the world. We realize that it's our people who give us a competitive advantage and drive success in the market, and our goal is to create an inclusive culture that rewards hard work.

Our culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration creates an environment where you can thrive and do your best work. Whether you're producing thought-provoking research, identifying compelling investment opportunities, infusing new technologies into our business or providing thoughtful advice to our clients, we are fully invested in you. If you're ready to challenge your limits and empower your career, join us!

In accordance with applicable law, the minimum and maximum base annual salary for this role is as follows:

Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000

Actual base salaries may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, training, experience, past performance, and other job-related factors. Base salary is just one component of total compensation at AB, which may include, depending on eligibility, commissions, year-end incentive compensation, short- and long-term incentives and Department-specific awards. In addition AB provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, sick and vacation time off.

All are encouraged to apply. AB does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or any other basis that is prohibited by applicable law.  AB’s policies and practices seek to ensure that employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants based solely on job-related criteria.            

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