Workplace Strategist

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities, and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions, and processes to our work.

Position Overview

SOM is seeking a Senior Workplace Strategist as a dynamic client-facing subject matter expert who implements design strategy to win and support workplace projects. This professional demonstrates a clear understanding of workplace strategy, processes, data, research, and change management. The Senior Workplace Strategist plays a key role in developing workplace strategy methodologies and toolkits, leads discovery efforts including stakeholder engagements, supports business developments efforts, and collaborates with design teams. 

Position Responsibilities

•  Workplace Strategy Development: contribute to the development of the robust workplace strategy practice at SOM.

• Data Research and Analysis: Analyze quantitative data from multiple sources and translate findings into meaningful insights for our clients  

• User Research and Stakeholder Engagement: Plan and perform user research and data collection activities, as well as create and help facilitate engaging stakeholder workshops.  

• Scenario Planning, Space Planning and Utilization: Translate strategic insights into workplace programs, space types, and design guidelines that support diverse work styles. Develop future-state scenarios and workplace models to align with organizational growth and transformation. Develop space programs and actively participate in pre-design and programming phases of the projects.

• User Experience and Innovative Solutions: Develop and illustrate a range of relevant strategies for user experience, workplace, portfolio, and service and operational models that meet client objectives and can articulate trade-offs. 

• Change Management: Help clients implement a positive change experience by developing engagement strategies and tailored communications to ensure lasting results.  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Actively leads a project team.

• Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.

• Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review and interviews.

• Demonstrates leadership in the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

• Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience or equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Undergraduate or master’s degree in architecture, interior design, design strategy, organizational development, or similar.

• Proficiency with data analysis, visualization and management specifically with regard to workplace performance data and surve