Senior Director - Workplace Management

Company Description

Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering software that is affordable, quick to implement, and designed for the end user. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a global team operating from 13 global locations to serve more than 65,000 companies -- from startups to public companies – that rely on Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM, CX) and employee experience (ITSM). 

Freshworks’ cloud-based software suite includes Freshdesk (omni-channel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshchat (AI-powered bots), supported by Neo, our underlying platform of shared services.

Freshworks is featured in global national press including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg and has been a BuiltIn Best Place to work in San Francisco and Denver for the last 3 years. Our customer ratings have earned Freshworks products TrustRadius Top Rated Software ratings and G2 Best of Awards for Best Feature Set, Best Value for the Price and Best Relationship. 

Job Description

Freshworks is seeking a Senior Director of Workplace Management to oversee operations across our three (3) offices in India (Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad) which consist of approximately 500,000 square feet of office space. In this role, you will be responsible for managing a team of 11 full time employees (plus many contractors), in addition to supporting our transportation programs, food programs, the travel desk in India, our return to office (RTO) efforts, office electrical, maintenance and improvements, physical security, and real estate decisions.

Reporting to the VP of Global Workplace based in the US, you will play a critical role in defining and supporting an outstanding employee experience as well as our overall office programs, strategies, and budgets. You’ll engage with our cross-functional partners including IT, Legal, HR, Finance, and others to support leasing, strategy, construction, design, vendor management, and beyond.

This role requires a seasoned leader with experience in facilities management and has a passion for developing a team. You will be successful in this role if you put the customers first, are dedicated to innovation, energized by a growth mindset, and like being part of a great team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the Workplace team and facility activities for our three offices in India (Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad)

• Ensure smooth programs and day-to-day operations of our offices including catering, internal events, guest processes, security, parking, cleaning, etc.

• Serve as the main point person for workplace operations questions as well as initiatives across the org such as RTO, CSR, software needs, space planning, etc. 

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of the offices, ensuring legal requirements and HSE standards are met

• Create strategies and processes that amplify employee experience and engagement in the office

• Work with Finance to develop a detailed annual budget that supports the company initiatives and manage to that budget

• Source, implement and manage vendor contracts

• Coordinate and facilitate company internal engagement events

• Identify & implement opportunities to build a more cohesive, happy, and productive in-office experience 

• Support real estate decisions as well as tenant improvement design & construction projects (both small and large)

• Promote workplace safety, environmental practices, waste reduction opportunities, sustainability, and energy conservation initiatives

• Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and budget

• Ensure measures are in place for after-hours facilities related emergencies

• Collaborate with the company’s Strategic Sourcing team on opportunities to define vendor scope and manage supplier performance

• Partner with IT, Legal, HR, Finance, and others on workplace related initiatives

• Manage expenses and implement cost-saving measures.

• Lead initiatives that align with corporate objectives, budget requirements, and deliver measurable outcomes. 

• Support lease negotiations for new office space to support our expansion and operational success

• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment

• Gather and analyze employee feedback and insights to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement 

• Create a first-class, “wow” experience for everyone who steps foot in our offices

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Workplace or Facilities related roles in a global organization. Previous proven management experience required.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in English across all levels of audiences. Must also be able to speak Tamil. Speaking Kannada and Telugu is preferred.

• Organization skills and attention to detail is a must 

• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple processes and priorities at once

• Strong analytical background with the ability to derive actionable insights from community data and feedback

• An ownership mentality with the ability to ask critical questions, work through problems independently, and execute/delegate to the team

• A love for building culture, energy, creativity, and forward thinking to the workplace

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving alignment towards common goals

• Ability to work cross-culturally and cross-functionally

• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity

• Good negotiation and change management skills

• Must be able to be a team player and work across all levels of company in addition to frequent interaction with suppliers and contractors

• Possess a positive, can-do attitude with the desire to take on additional responsibilities

• Strong technical skills including proficiency in (GSuite, Excel, Word, etc)

• Ability to travel domestically as needed (likely once a month). Additionally there may be international travel (likely once a year)

Additional Information

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.