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
Director of Corporate Real Estate (Major Region)
3-5 years in role before VPSkills to master
- Managing a multi-country portfolio (e.g., EMEA or Americas), leading a large regional team, owning a significant regional P&L, and presenting to regional leadership. You'd have proven your ability to drive strategic initiatives within a defined geography.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered 2-3 major regional strategic initiatives (e.g., significant consolidation, new market entry).
- Consistently exceeded regional budget targets and identified substantial cost savings.
- Developed and promoted at least 2-3 direct reports into more senior roles.
- Recognised as a trusted advisor by regional business unit presidents and C-suite members.
- 2
Global Head of Facilities Management
3-5 years in role before VPSkills to master
- Overseeing all aspects of global facilities operations, including hard and soft services, health & safety, and vendor management across multiple countries. You'd have a deep understanding of operational excellence and employee experience at scale.
You're ready to move on when
- Significantly improved global facilities service delivery and employee satisfaction scores.
- Implemented a global facilities management strategy that drove measurable efficiencies and cost reductions.
- Successfully managed complex global vendor relationships and contracts.
- Demonstrated strong leadership of a large, diverse operational team.
- 3
Head of Workplace Strategy (Global)
4-6 years in role before VPSkills to master
- Leading the design and implementation of innovative workplace models (e.g., hybrid, activity-based working) across a global footprint. You'd be an expert in employee experience, workplace technology, and change management at scale.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully designed and rolled out a global hybrid work model that enhanced productivity and collaboration.
- Integrated new workplace technologies (e.g., smart building systems) into our global portfolio.
- Achieved significant improvements in employee engagement and satisfaction related to the workplace.
- Effectively influenced C-suite and HR leaders on the strategic value of workplace design.