Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham
Head of Workplace & Property

Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Gowling WLG

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead workplace and property strategy, ensuring inspiring environments across multiple locations.
  • Company: Join a top-rated firm recognised for its exceptional workplace culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of workplace design and management in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in managing corporate occupier portfolios and delivering major projects.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Workplace & Property to join our Operations department. In this senior leadership role, you will shape and deliver our international workplace, property and facilities management strategy (excluding Canada), ensuring our offices support the firm's people, culture and growth.

You will lead a Workplace & Facilities Management team, creating safe, efficient and inspiring environments across our portfolio. With ownership of offices across the UK, Europe and the Middle East, you'll oversee everything from space planning and workplace design through to acquisitions and disposals. You will also play a critical role in ensuring the firm is incident‐ready across all locations, with clear, embedded plans that align with best practice and evolving workplace thinking.

As an experienced workplace leader, you'll be comfortable managing teams and complex projects, often to tight timescales, while balancing strategic oversight with hands‐on delivery.

Broadly, the role covers:

  • Delivery of major workplace and property projects
  • Lease negotiations and property transactions
  • Facilities management and operational oversight

About you: We are looking for a senior workplace and property leader with strong experience managing corporate occupier portfolios, ideally within a professional services or complex corporate environment. You'll bring a clear strategic mindset, combined with hands‐on experience across lease negotiations, landlord relationships, space strategy and long‐term portfolio planning.

You'll have a proven track record of delivering major workplace projects, including large‐scale refurbishments or transformations, with a strong understanding of future ways of working. Experience managing consultants, capital budgets and facilities operations will be key, alongside the ability to balance landlord and tenant responsibilities.

Operating at Head of (or equivalent) level, you'll be a confident people leader, able to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships across the business. You'll be commercially astute, delivery‐focused and comfortable operating at pace, bringing clarity and direction in complex or challenging situations.

An understanding of the legal sector would be beneficial, as would international experience, though neither is essential. Professional qualifications such as MRICS or facilities management accreditation are desirable but not required.

What We Can Offer You:

  • The opportunity to work for a firm that has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK and has been ranked by Great Place to Work for 26 consecutive years.
  • A hybrid approach to office and remote working.
  • 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy up to a week's extra annual leave
  • Private medical insurance, and the option to add family members
  • Life assurance covering four times your annual salary
  • The chance of a three-month sabbatical every five years
  • Maternity, paternity and adoption leave schemes
  • A range of health and wellbeing programmes
  • State of the art offices, with an onsite restaurant
  • Opportunities to flourish in your role through training and personal development

Gowling WLG is committed both to promoting equality and diversity in the firm and to Equal Opportunities in employment. The firm believes in equality of opportunity regardless of race or racial group (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, national origins), religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity. This also includes any incidents of perceptive or associative discrimination and harassment.

At Gowling WLG we seek to attract and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures, to create an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our aim is to fulfil everyone's potential and together to achieve personal and business goals.

If you have any queries in relation to this position or would like to see a full job description please contact Meg Astley at meg.astley@gowlingwlg.com

Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham employer: Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK for 26 consecutive years. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, the firm offers a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health benefits, all within state-of-the-art offices in Birmingham. The culture promotes diversity and personal development, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to meaningful projects across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
Gowling WLG

Contact Detail:

Gowling WLG Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in workplace and property management.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your past experiences managing teams and projects, and how you’ve successfully navigated complex situations in the workplace.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham

Workplace Management
Property Management
Facilities Management
Space Planning
Workplace Design
Lease Negotiations
Project Management
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Management
Corporate Occupier Portfolio Management
Strategic Planning
Refurbishment Project Delivery
Commercial Acumen
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs for the Head of Workplace & Property role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing teams and complex projects. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and deliver results under pressure.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Gowling WLG

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company's workplace and property strategies. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and challenges in the sector. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Workplace & Property, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on experience and strategic mindset.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to balance landlord and tenant responsibilities or manage tight deadlines. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations and what the outcomes were.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the firm's future workplace strategies or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.

Head of Workplace & Property in Birmingham
Gowling WLG
Location: Birmingham

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