The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior International Workspace Coordinator
3-5 years in this role before moving to Lead.Skills to master
- Mastering end-to-end project management for medium-sized office openings, developing strong vendor relationships, and effectively mentoring 1-2 junior colleagues. You'd be showing you can 'own' a significant workstream.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivering projects on time and budget with minimal supervision.
- Proactively identifying and solving complex regional operational issues.
- Receiving positive feedback on your mentorship and informal leadership skills.
- Demonstrating a clear understanding of global workplace strategy and how your work contributes to it.
- 2
Project Manager (Facilities/Real Estate)
4-6 years in a dedicated project management role.Skills to master
- Strong command of formal project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP), experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, and a track record of delivering complex construction or fit-out projects. You'd be bringing that structured approach.
You're ready to move on when
- Successful delivery of multiple large-scale facilities projects (£100K+).
- Expertise in managing project budgets, schedules, and risks.
- Experience coordinating architects, contractors, and internal teams.
- Ability to adapt project management principles to a global, operational context.
- 3
Regional Operations Manager
5-7 years managing operations across a specific geographical region.Skills to master
- Deep understanding of regional operational challenges, experience managing diverse teams, and a strong focus on efficiency and cost control. You'd be bringing a broader operational perspective.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven ability to manage and optimise operational processes across a region.
- Strong leadership and team management skills in a multi-site environment.
- Experience with regional budget management and P&L responsibility.
- A clear understanding of how physical workspaces impact regional business performance.