Planning Manager

Job Purpose

Leads the development of Growth Plans for new and existing markets, combining traditional network planning expertise with a tech‑ and AI‑enabled approach to optimise brand distribution, market coverage, and expansion decisions across the IWG portfolio.

• Prepares Growth Plans for new and existing markets.
• Analyses performance of existing IWG units (occupancy, demand, financial performance).
• Obtains data on office locations, residential suburbs, traffic generators, and competitor locations.
• Obtains data on traffic patterns and activity (employment, leisure).
• Obtains reliable demographic data (population count, age, income, household structure, etc.), traffic data (vehicle and pedestrian), and economic data from official institutions.
• Obtains detailed information on competitors (size, sales, ownership).
• Analyses all of the above data and market information, using both established network planning methodologies and technology/AI‑led insights to prepare a comprehensive market development and expansion plan.
• Identifies opportunities to use advanced analytics, automation, and AI‑driven tools to improve market evaluation, scenario planning, site prioritisation, and decision‑making.
• Presents and maintains Growth Plan including: standard presentation, schedule of development (work orders for field sales team), map with overlays (showing existing IWG locations, competitors, main office locations, traffic generators, demographics, proposed locations, and trade areas).
• Special analyses (M&A targets, existing estate reviews, NCO performance reviews).
• Continuous review and updating of planning document to support field teams (competition, new openings, closures).
• Owns the creation and distribution of work orders for the field sales team.

• 8+ years of experience in market planning, business strategy, network development, or location analytics.
• Proven track record in multi‑market growth strategy, ideally within flexible workspace, retail, real estate, or franchise‑driven industries.
• Strong understanding of demographic, economic, geospatial, and location intelligence data, with the ability to translate these into practical network planning and expansion decisions.
• Proficiency in business intelligence tools and GIS/mapping platforms (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, ArcGIS, QGIS), with an openness to leveraging advanced analytics, automation, and AI‑enabled tools to enhance planning quality and speed.
• Demonstrated ability to combine traditional network planning discipline with a forward‑looking, technology‑led mindset, ideally including exposure to AI‑driven analysis, modelling, or decision‑support tools.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Degree in Business, Urban Planning, Economics, or a related field.
• Familiarity with sales territory design, demand forecasting, or real estate acquisition models.
• Consistently delivered results, above expectations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence in a matrix environment.
• Confident decision maker who demonstrates sound judgement.
• Organised, consistently delivers against tight deadlines.
• Collaborative team player and a commitment to excellence.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to solve problems and improve processes; comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.
• Resilient, able to deal with ambiguity.

• A fun, challenging, and rewarding career.
• Award‑winning induction training and excellent ongoing learning and development.
• Fantastic career progression opportunities.
• Access to a comprehensive selection of flexible, personalised workplace benefits that support your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.