Director, Program & Project Management

Role Overview

Sodexo is seeking a Director of Space Planning to support a global life sciences client based in Rahway, NJ. This highly strategic role is responsible for leading space planning, programming, and governance across a complex portfolio of laboratory, office, manufacturing, and support environments. You will develop data-driven, regulatory-compliant space solutions that align with scientific workflows, operational needs, and long-term enterprise strategy. As a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, you will translate complex technical requirements into scalable, efficient space programs. The role requires deep expertise in laboratory planning, GMP environments, and regulatory frameworks. This is a high-impact leadership position with significant visibility across capital planning and site strategy initiatives.

 

SodexoMagic 

SodexoMagic is the joint venture partnership between NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Sodexo. As a certified minority company, we deliver food, facilities management and integrated services to corporations, healthcare facilities, K-12 schools, colleges and universities and aviation lounges. This strategic alliance between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Sodexo, Inc., enables us to deliver creative solutions to our clients along with our local partners throughout the communities we serve. 

What You'll Do

• Lead strategic space planning and programming across laboratories, offices, manufacturing, and support environments
• Translate scientific workflows, adjacencies, and operational needs into comprehensive space requirements and solutions
• Support portfolio strategy through scenario planning, capacity modeling, and long-range space planning initiatives
• Ensure all planning aligns with GMP, regulatory standards, building codes, and safety requirements
• Partner with EHS, Quality, Regulatory, Facilities, and Capital Projects teams to ensure compliance and execution alignment
• Develop and leverage space data analytics, benchmarking, and utilization metrics to drive decision-making and optimization
• Facilitate stakeholder workshops, programming sessions, and executive presentations to guide planning outcomes
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and project teams to ensure planning intent is carried through execution

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Facilities Planning, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in space or laboratory planning within pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences environments
• Deep knowledge of laboratory planning standards, scientific workflows, and GMP-regulated environments
• Experience collaborating with EHS, Quality, and Regulatory teams in highly regulated settings
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in space planning tools, CAD/BIM platforms, and data analysis
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex concepts at an executive level
• Experience supporting portfolio-level planning, capital programs, or large-scale site strategies
• Highly organized, strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a matrixed environment

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to