Full-Time
Senior Director of Operations
Posted on 1/12/2026
Cushman & Wakefield
10,001+ employees
Global commercial real estate services provider
Compensation Overview
$182.8k - $215k/yr
Chicago, IL, USA
In Person
 Operations & Logistics (1) |
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- BA/BS degree in Business Management/Engineering/Leadership or related field
- MBA Preferred but not required
- Minimum ten years’ experience in the maintenance, reliability and engineering services industry, with at least seven years in a leadership position
- Previous service industry experience, progressing to a senior leadership position
- Demonstrated problem solving and customer service skills
- Proven administrative, management, and leadership skills
- Digital Fluency skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Flexibility with regard to schedule and ability to travel at least 50%
- Minimum ten years’ (10) experience in the maintenance, reliability and engineering services industry, with at least seven years in a leadership position
- Develop and execute long-term strategies for maintenance, reliability, and engineering aligned with both account/client and corporate goals
- Lead capital planning and asset lifecycle management to optimize performance and ROI
- Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to align operations with business objectives
- Drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and reliability to world-class standards
- Implement world-class reliability practices including RCM, TPM, and root cause analysis
- Drive standardization of engineering and maintenance processes across all sites and business units
- Lead a high-performing team of engineering, maintenance, and reliability professionals
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Mentor and develop talent, ensuring succession planning and capability building
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and safety standards
- Monitor contract KPIs and operational metrics to drive performance improvements
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost control initiatives
- Champion the adoption of digital tools, CMMS systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve reliability and reduce downtime
- Lead engineering innovation initiatives to support operational scalability and sustainability
- Coordinates all Special sales and related activities, working in conjunction with Operations Directors, Regional Leaders, and Site Leadership, to develop plans for business growth
- Supports VP/SVP activity to help generate new business
- Monitors/evaluates current and new account budgets, with emphasis on the management of overhead, labor, materials, and service contract expenses in order to achieve financial objectives
- Analyzes financial dashboards on a monthly basis
- Monitors and reviews payroll compliance to ensure timely completion and processing and, working in conjunction with Directors and leaders, to ensure accuracy
- Oversees and monitors the purchasing and inventory control functions for all account locations, working in conjunction with leaders and Corporate offices
- Develops and administers cost containment/reduction activities among assigned accounts
- Drives overall process for screens, interviews, and selecting Exempt personnel (Directors, Regional Managers, Senior Managers, Managers, Area Managers, etc.), working in conjunction with Human Resources
- Oversees the process for selection and hiring of Non-Exempt personnel (facilities staff), and ensures compliance with Federal, State, Local, and Company guidelines
- Evaluates the work performance of all direct reports annually and prepares a calibration and succession plan account wide
- Establishes contingency Director, Regionals, Operations Manager, Area Manager, and in anticipation of new accounts, to ensure timely staffing through identification of current managers who are to be transferred to new accounts
- In partnership with Human Resources, establishes and implements career development paths for Directors, Regionals, Operations Managers, Area Managers, and Supervisors, working with employees who seek opportunities for advancement
- Drives and monitors compliance with the technical skills training of employees, ensuring timely and effective record keeping, follow-up, and re-training as required
- Remains knowledgeable about Union contracts and guidelines, and participates as needed in Union salary issues, grievances, layoffs, and other related matters
- Partner with Safety leadership to oversee and implement safety policy, procedures, and communications for all personnel, and monitors the same for impact/effectiveness
- Provides active leadership in establishing and maintaining a culture of safety, including adherence to company safety practices, establishment of safety review boards, and oversight of safety training
- Monitors and evaluates Workers Compensation activities within his/her area of operations, working in conjunction with the corporate Director of HSSE and Director of Safety
- Performs special assignments as needed or as requested by the Senior Vice President and/or the Vice President, Operations
- Executes such other responsibilities as determined by the Senior Vice President and/or the Vice President, Operations
- MBA Preferred but not required
Cushman & Wakefield provides commercial real estate services to property owners, tenants, and investors worldwide. It helps with property sales, leasing, facilities management, and valuation by combining market research, brokerage, and advisory services. Revenue comes from commissions, management and consulting fees, and strategic investments. The company differentiates itself with a global network, full-service offerings, industry recognition, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, aiming to help clients optimize their real estate portfolios.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1917
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2025 revenue hit $10.3 billion across 350 offices in 60 countries.
- Ralph DePasquale's 37-year expertise bolsters Chicago multifamily sales.
- SilicoLife's Braga facility expands European biotech real estate opportunities.
What critics are saying
- ShinyHunters leaks 500,000 Salesforce PII records post-May 6 deadline.
- Qilin ransomware encrypts systems from May 4 vishing attack.
- Sotheby's defeats $10M commission lawsuit filed April 11.
What makes Cushman & Wakefield unique
- Dr. Miguel Rodriguez leads Quantitative Insights Group with AI geospatial analytics.
- Tom Maloney chairs Occupier Advisory Services for hybrid workplace strategies.
- Ryan Miller oversees Atlanta, Nashville, and Mid-Atlantic high-growth markets.
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Benefits
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Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Paid Vacation
Company News
Cushman sues Sotheby's over $10M commission tied to HQ sale. posted on Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:16 am Sotheby's stiffed Cushman & Wakefield on a $10 million commission tied to the auction house's blockbuster Upper East Side headquarters sale, the brokerage claims. In a lawsuit filed Thursday in New York State Supreme Court, Cushman accuses Sotheby's of breaching a commission agreement connected to the October 2025 sale of 1334 York Avenue to Weill Cornell Medicine. Cushman claims it spent years brokering a 200,000-square-foot lease at the building on behalf of Weill Cornell that ultimately paved the way for the $510 million sale. At the time of the 2023 lease signing, Cushman says both sides inked a separate agreement entitling the firm to a 2 percent commission on any sale to Weill Cornell during the 30-year lease term. But Sotheby's never informed the brokerage it was weighing a sale a few years later, the complaint alleges, and Cushman first learned of the deal through news reports. The brokerage sent Sotheby's a $10.2 million commission bill in December, but the brokerage refused to pay it, "choosing instead to retain those funds to address its deteriorating financial condition," the suit alleges. "This lawsuit is baseless and completely meritless," said a Sotheby's spokesperson in a statement. "We will defend ourselves vigorously in court and we are confident that when the facts come out, we'll be vindicated." News reports at the time of the sale credited JLL's David Giancola, Geoff Goldstein and Steve Klein with representing Weill Cornell in the sale and CBRE's Doug Middleton and Mary Ann Tighe with advising Sotheby's. The complaint paints a picture of a financially strained Sotheby's seeking to shed debt tied to the property, including a $175 million mortgage. Cushman says the lease it arranged with Weill Cornell was "a financial life-preserver to Sotheby's" that boosted the property's value and ultimately helped Sotheby's command a hefty sale price; the building traded for almost 40 percent more than the auction house paid in 2009. Sotheby's itself acknowledged the financial upside. Following the sale, Sotheby's CEO Charles F. Stewart told staff in an e-mail the move would be "very financially beneficial," noting proceeds would be used to reduce debt and fund investments, according to an article from the trade publication The Art Newspaper cited in the lawsuit. The transaction capped a run of real estate moves by the auction house. In 2023, Sotheby's bought the landmark Breuer Building from the Whitney for about $100 million, a year after it picked up a converted office building in Long Island City for $82 million.
Cushman & Wakefield arranges creative lease solution for Ameritas and AleraCare/Pure Healthcare in Salt Lake City. Cushman & Wakefield announced that the real estate services firm has arranged a creative lease solution at 75 West Towne Ridge Parkway involving a 25,000-square-foot, top-floor Class A office space in Salt Lake City. Cushman & Wakefield // April 1, 2026 SALT LAKE CITY - Cushman & Wakefield announced that the real estate services firm has arranged a creative lease solution at 75 West Towne Ridge Parkway involving a 25,000-square-foot, top-floor Class A office space in Salt Lake City. The transaction included a lease termination for Ameritas, a direct lease agreement for AleraCare/Pure Healthcare with the landlord and an additional smaller lease for Ameritas within the same building. Cushman & Wakefield's Dana Baird and Colliers' Josh Smith arranged the transactions, working closely with the landlord, Ameritas as the sublandlord and AleraCare/Pure Healthcare as the subtenant. Cushman & Wakefield also assisted Ameritas in securing a smaller office lease within the same property. AleraCare/Pure Healthcare was represented in the transaction by a team including Newmark Mountain West and Medical Office Brokers. "This transaction demonstrates Cushman & Wakefield's ability to deliver creative solutions that benefit all parties in complex lease scenarios," said Baird. "By collaborating with the landlord, sublandlord and subtenant, we facilitated a seamless transition that maximized occupancy for the landlord, provided AleraCare/Pure Healthcare with a fully furnished, top-floor office and enabled Ameritas to right-size their space needs. With more associates working remotely, this aligned with Ameritas' evolving workplace strategy. This approach underscores the value of strategic brokerage in today's dynamic office market." AleraCare and Pure Healthcare completed a merger in November 2025, expanding access to private infusion suites for patients managing chronic illness across 14 states. Their Utah-based corporate headquarters will span 25,000 square feet on the top floor, featuring modern Class A finishes and fully turnkey furnishings. 75 West Towne Ridge Parkway offers a contemporary office environment with expansive floor plates, high-end finishes and abundant natural light. Building amenities include secure access, ample parking and proximity to major business services, supporting productivity and employee satisfaction. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, the property provides excellent access to public transit options, including nearby light rail and bus lines. The site is easily reachable from major highways, offering convenient commutes for employees traveling from across the metropolitan area. The building is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, retail destinations and professional services, making it an attractive location for office tenants seeking both accessibility and a vibrant urban environment. About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of Services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
AI's ascent: revolutionizing tenant screening & lease optimization in CRE. March 30, 2026 Majid Radaei, RadCRE The AI evolution in commercial real estate operations. The commercial real estate (CRE) sector is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance operational efficiencies, particularly in areas traditionally reliant on manual processes such as tenant screening and lease optimization. As property owners and managers seek to mitigate risk and maximize profitability in a dynamic market, sophisticated AI-powered solutions are emerging as critical tools. Machine learning for advanced tenant screening. Traditional tenant screening processes, often characterized by subjective evaluations and time-consuming background checks, are being transformed by ML algorithms. Companies like RentSpree and LeaseLock are leveraging AI to analyze vast datasets, including financial histories, payment behaviors, and even social media footprints, to provide a more comprehensive and predictive risk assessment. For instance, a recent report by Yardi found that AI-driven screening can reduce eviction rates by up to 20% by identifying high-risk tenants more accurately. This not only minimizes potential losses from defaults but also streamlines the leasing cycle for both landlords and prospective tenants. The institutional investment community is also taking notice. Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate, has been an early adopter of data analytics to optimize tenant placement and lease terms across its vast portfolio. While specific proprietary tools are not always disclosed, their approach highlights the industry's shift towards data-driven decision-making in tenant acquisition. Optimizing lease structures with AI. Beyond screening, machine learning is proving instrumental in lease optimization. AI platforms can analyze market comparables, current economic indicators, and tenant-specific data to recommend optimal lease terms, rent escalations, and concession packages. For example, software developed by VTS is being used by major landlords like Cushman & Wakefield to analyze thousands of lease contracts, identifying patterns and opportunities for better net operating income (NOI) generation. This can involve pinpointing the ideal time for lease renewals, suggesting competitive yet profitable rental rates, or even forecasting tenant churn with greater accuracy. The goal is to move beyond static lease templates to dynamic, data-informed agreements that adapt to market conditions and tenant needs. This was evident in a recent CoStar report noting an average 3-5% improvement in lease revenue for properties utilizing advanced lease optimization software, primarily through minimizing vacancy periods and securing favorable renewal terms. RadCRE perspective. "The chatter around AI in CRE can often feel like hype, but in tenant screening and lease optimization, we're seeing tangible, measurable impacts. Traditional underwriting models, even sophisticated ones, struggled with the sheer volume and variability of tenant data. Machine learning changes this, offering a predictive edge that was previously unavailable. For our clients, particularly those acquiring value-add assets or managing large portfolios, understanding and implementing these AI tools isn't just about efficiency; it's about competitive advantage and risk mitigation. We're advising clients to scrutinize vendors' actual data-driven results - not just their marketing - and to integrate these technologies into their existing workflows to truly unlock value. The real opportunity lies in how these tools refine our capital allocation decisions and improve the underlying asset performance. It's not about replacing the broker; it's about empowering them with superior insights to close better deals and manage assets more effectively." Majid Radaei, Founder of RAD Commercial Realty Challenges and future outlook. Despite the clear benefits, challenges remain, including data privacy concerns, the need for robust data infrastructure, and the inherent complexity of integrating new technologies into existing real estate ecosystems. However, as AI models become more sophisticated and data sources more accessible, the adoption curve is expected to steepen. The focus will likely shift towards more predictive analytics, such as forecasting tenant defaults before they occur or identifying submarket shifts that impact lease demand. Services like RadCRE.ai are already incorporating these advanced analytics to provide institutional-grade underwriting solutions, ensuring clients are equipped with the most robust data-driven insights for their investment decisions. Sources: Yardi, CoStar, VTS, RentSpree, LeaseLock, Prologis Evaluate your CRE Deal with AI. Get instant property valuations, sell-vs-refinance analysis, and market comps powered by its AI Deal Evaluation Platform - free for all asset classes.
Cushman & Wakefield partners with What Ability Foundation as National Partner. Jess freeman - 31/03/2026. Cushman & Wakefield has announced a new national partnership with What Ability Foundation, formalising becoming a National Partner in a move that reinforces the firm's ongoing commitment to inclusion, community impact and giving back. The partnership will see Cushman & Wakefield work alongside What Ability Foundation across Australia to increase visibility and support for families living with disability, while creating opportunities for meaningful connection, participation and shared experiences. As part of the collaboration, Cushman & Wakefield teams across the country will engage with What Ability Foundation initiatives that focus on empowering individuals with disability through accessible experiences, while also supporting broader awareness and education across staff, clients, partners and the property industry. The partnership aligns closely with Cushman & Wakefield's values and its ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey, with a focus on continuing to learn, evolve and drive positive change both within the business and across the communities it serves. Noral Wild, CEO, Australia, New Zealand and North Asia of Cushman & Wakefield, said the partnership represents a natural extension of the firm's commitment to inclusion. "Partnering with What Ability Foundation reflects its commitment to inclusion and community impact. At Cushman & Wakefield, Cushwakeproperty believe the spaces Cushwakeproperty help shape should be accessible to everyone. "This partnership allows us to support people living with disabilities and create meaningful opportunities for connection, participation and belonging" she said. Through the partnership, Cushman & Wakefield will support What Ability Foundation's mission to create more inclusive environments and experiences for people with disability, while helping to amplify awareness and engagement across a national platform. Steve Dresler, Founder of What Ability, welcomed the partnership and its potential to drive meaningful impact. "Cushwakeproperty is incredibly proud to partner with Cushman & Wakefield as a National Partner. Their commitment to inclusion and genuine desire to make a difference aligns perfectly with what Cushwakeproperty stand for at What Ability Foundation. "By working together, we can reach more families across the country, create more opportunities for people living with disability to get out, have fun and be part of their communities, and continue building awareness in the broader business community" he said. The partnership will roll out nationally, with a series of initiatives and activations planned throughout the year aimed at driving engagement, education and long-term impact. About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of Services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.
MSCI ranks Cushman & Wakefield #1 for Melbourne CBD office transactions. Jess freeman - 30/03/2026. Cushman & Wakefield's Capital Markets Office team has once again secured the #1 position in the MSCI Real Assets rankings for Melbourne CBD office transactions, marking the third consecutive year the team has led the market in CBD office sales volume. The long-standing team, which has worked together for more than 15 years, continues to provide market-leading advisory and transaction services to Australian and offshore investors. Their deep expertise and consistent execution have reinforced Cushman & Wakefield's leadership position in the Melbourne office sector. "We are delighted to be recognised by MSCI as Melbourne's top office transactions team for the third year running," said Nick Rathgeber, Cushman & Wakefield's International Director, Capital Markets. "This achievement reflects the trust our clients place in us, and the commitment of our team to delivering exceptional outcomes in a complex and evolving market." Cushman & Wakefield expressed its appreciation for the continued support of its clients and reaffirmed its commitment to guiding them through an increasingly active investment landscape. About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core service lines of Services, Leasing, Capital markets, and Valuation and other. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.