At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage office operations and facilities across two Boston locations, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
- Company: Automata is revolutionising lab automation to empower scientists globally with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive healthcare, generous holiday leave, and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science while working in a collaborative and fun environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in facilities management; strong organisational and communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values innovation and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
At Automata, we are on a mission to transform how scientists work by making automation accessible to every lab in the world. We believe that by giving labs the power to automate, we can unlock discoveries that will shape the future of life sciences—from diagnostics and drug discovery to synthetic biology.
We are seeking a proactive and hands-on Office & Facilities Manager to oversee the operations of our two Boston offices (Kendall Square and Newton workshop). This role focuses on maintaining efficient, well-managed workspaces with emphasis on landlord relationships, budget management, and consistent operational standards across both locations.
This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong facilities management experience who can balance day-to-day operational needs while implementing long-term improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of our Boston office operations while maintaining excellent relationships with landlords, vendors, and service providers.
Key Responsibilities- Landlord & Property Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact with landlords for both Boston locations
- Manage all lease-related communications and ensure compliance with lease terms
- Coordinate maintenance requests, repairs, and building service needs with property management
- Participate in quarterly landlord meetings to address facility issues and improvements
- Support the Workplace Experience Leader and General Counsel in lease renewals, amendments, and negotiations as needed
- Ensure adherence to building rules, regulations, and access protocols
- Budget & Financial Management
- Manage allocated operational budgets for both Boston locations
- Track and report on monthly facilities expenditures
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining workspace quality
- Process invoices and maintain accurate financial records for all facility-related expenses
- Multi-Location Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operations across both Kendall Square and Newton workshop sites
- Implement standardized processes and systems across both locations
- Manage differing needs between office and workshop environments
- Facilities Management
- Maintain safe, clean, and professional workspaces at both locations
- Oversee workspace planning, furniture procurement, and office reconfigurations
- Implement and maintain the company's global design standards and brand elements
- Manage security systems, access controls, and physical safety measures
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining all required documentation
- Administrative Operations
- Manage office supply inventory and procurement for both locations
- Receive and process all mail, ensuring that all important letters get to the right stakeholder in the business promptly
- Oversee shipping and receiving operations, in collaboration with our Logistics team
- Coordinate space bookings and meeting room management
- Support workspace technology needs in coordination with IT team
- Process facility-related requests from employees through Slack
- Maintain accurate records of all facilities operations and assets
- Manage all facilities vendors, including cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and repair specialists
- Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to ensure cost-effectiveness
- Regularly review vendor performance and implement improvements
- Maintain vendor documentation and payment schedules
- Source new vendors as needed to support office operations
- 3+ years of experience in facilities management, office administration, or property management
- Proven experience managing multiple location operations simultaneously
- Strong understanding of commercial lease terms and landlord relationships
- Demonstrated ability to manage operational budgets effectively
- Experience with vendor management and contract negotiations
- Knowledge of facilities maintenance best practices and building systems
- Familiarity with health and safety regulations and compliance requirements
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with various stakeholders
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, facilities management software, and budget tracking tools
- Experience supporting a hybrid work environment
- Ability to travel between Boston locations (approximately 30% time at Newton workshop site)
We are an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Discrimination of any kind based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.
Office and Facilities Manager employer: Automata
Contact Detail:
Automata Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office and Facilities Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of both office and workshop environments. Understanding the unique challenges and requirements of each location will help you demonstrate your ability to manage operations effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in facilities management and related fields. Attend local industry events or join online forums to connect with others who may have insights into Automata's culture and operational needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Automata’s current projects and innovations. Being knowledgeable about their mission and how they integrate technology into lab automation will show your genuine interest in the company and its goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and vendor negotiations. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed operational budgets and improved vendor relationships in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Office and Facilities Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in facilities management and office administration. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications Automata is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for facilities management and how your skills align with Automata's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience with budget management, vendor negotiations, and compliance with health and safety regulations. These are key aspects of the role at Automata.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous positions. Automata values innovators and problem-solvers, so make sure to illustrate your ability to think critically and implement effective solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Automata
✨Know the Company and Its Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research Automata and understand their mission to transform lab automation. Familiarise yourself with their LINQ platform and how it impacts scientists' work. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience in facilities management, especially if you've managed multiple locations before. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled landlord relationships, budget management, and operational challenges in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions prepared can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. Ask about the team culture, the challenges they face in managing the two locations, or how they measure success in this position. This shows that you are proactive and engaged.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
As an Office and Facilities Manager, you'll need to be a problem-solver. Prepare to discuss past situations where you've successfully resolved issues related to facilities management or vendor negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.