Design & Construction Standards Lead

The Design & Construction Standards Lead is responsible for defining and governing global design and construction standards across the enterprise real estate portfolio. This role establishes a consistent, high-quality, and cost-effective approach to workplace environments—including offices, clinics, labs, and manufacturing sites—while enabling regional teams to execute within a clear global framework.

As a key leader within the Global Real Estate Center of Excellence (CoE), this role drives innovation in workplace design, enhances employee and patient experience, and ensures alignment with corporate priorities including sustainability, brand, and digital enablement. The role balances global standardization with regional flexibility, ensuring solutions are scalable, compliant, and locally relevant.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Global Standards & Governance

• Define, implement, and continuously evolve global design and construction standards across all asset types (offices, clinics, labs, and manufacturing sites).
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure adherence to standards, including design reviews, approval processes, and exception management.
• Serve as the global authority on design and construction standards, ensuring consistency in quality, functionality, and brand experience.

Workplace Experience & Strategy

• Lead the development of global workplace design guidelines, including space planning, collaboration environments, amenities, and hybrid work solutions.
• Integrate employee and patient experience considerations into all design standards, leveraging feedback and usage data.
• Partner with HR, IT, and business leaders to align workplace environments with evolving workforce and operational needs.

Construction Standards & Technical Excellence

• Develop and maintain global construction specifications, including MEP systems, IT/AV infrastructure, materials, and sustainability requirements.
• Ensure standards reflect regulatory requirements, safety considerations, and operational efficiency across diverse geographies.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance on complex or high-impact projects.

Tools, Playbooks & Operational Excellence

• Develop and deploy global toolkits, templates, and playbooks to drive consistency, speed, and cost efficiency (e.g., prototype layouts, room data sheets, cost benchmarks).
• Standardize project delivery approaches and documentation requirements across regions.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and best practice sharing.

Vendor Strategy & Partnerships

• Establish and manage global strategic partnerships with architecture, engineering, construction, and workplace solution providers.
• Define vendor performance standards and governance, ensuring quality, cost competitiveness, and scalability.
• Enable knowledge transfer and consistency across regions through vendor networks.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and pilot emerging technologies and innovations (e.g., modular construction, smart buildings, digital twins, AI-enabled space planning).
• Lead initiatives to improve sustainability outcomes, including energy efficiency, materials selection, and carbon reduction.
• Continuously evolve standards based on market trends, internal performance data, and future workplace needs.

Data, Insights & Performance

• Leverage data and analytics (e.g., cost, schedule, utilization, post-occupancy feedback) to inform design standards and decision-making.
• Establish KPIs to measure effectiveness of standards, workplace experience, and project outcomes.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership to drive continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Corporate Security, IT, HR, Sustainability, and Brand teams to ensure integrated and aligned standards.
• Support regional real estate teams in adapting global standards to local regulations and cultural requirements.
• Act as a key advisor to senior leadership on workplace strategy, design innovation, and capital investment decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Little to no travel is expected for this position.

SUPERVISION:

• Leads a team of design and construction professionals (3–5 direct reports) within the Global CoE.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, or related field required.
• Master’s degree (e.g., Architecture, Engineering, MBA) strongly preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., LEED, WELL, PMP) preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in design, construction, and workplace strategy within complex, global organizations.
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide standards and governance models (CoE experience strongly preferred).
• Strong background in workplace strategy, design innovation, and user experience across multiple asset types (office, lab, clinical, industrial).
• Deep technical knowledge of design, construction, and building systems, with ability to guide complex projects.
• Demonstrated success managing global vendor ecosystems and driving performance across multiple regions.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including cost benchmarking, capital planning, and value engineering.
• Experience leveraging data and analytics to inform design decisions and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to operate at executive level.
• Proven ability to lead through change, standardization, and transformation in a global environment.
• Strong people leadership and team development capabilities.

If your location allows for pay/benefit transparency, please click the link below to request further information on this position.   Pay Transparency Request Form

Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.

Bonus Eligible Positions – include language below. 
Benefit Overview: This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, parental leave and potential for performance-based bonuses depending on company and individual performance.”