Associate Director, Workplace Operations

The Associate Director, Workplace Operations is responsible for overseeing facilities and workplace operations across office, lab, and manufacturing spaces, ensuring a safe, compliant, and productive environment while delivering exceptional employee experiences. This role manages space optimization, vendor oversight, and daily operations, driving operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, technology-enabled solutions, and strategic partnerships. In addition, the Associate Director is committed to supporting a dynamic hybrid work environment that fosters flexibility and productivity.

By evolving workplace strategies and services to meet business needs, this position ensures a seamless and engaging experience for employees, contractors, and visitors. Through strategic planning, innovation, and operational leadership, the role creates inclusive, collaborative spaces that promote well-being and high performance.

This role is based full-time on-site in Princeton, New Jersey, with a Monday–Friday, five-days-per-week workplace presence required.

• Oversee workplace operations across four sites (Princeton, NJ; Rockville, MD; Hayward, CA; Boston, MA), including office, lab, and manufacturing spaces.
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and productive work environment at all times.
• Manage all aspects of workplace operations: space planning, mail services, meeting support, security, maintenance, and vendor management.
• Drive operational improvement programs using benchmark standards and best practices.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Establish and maintain standards for facility services, including SLAs, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Review and manage contracts to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
• Implement technology solutions for space and process optimization.
• Track and report on key performance indicators related to facilities and employee experience.
• Provide best-in-class workplace experience for employees.

• Strong knowledge of facilities systems, workplace safety, and relevant local regulations.
• Expertise in vendor oversight and performance-based contract management.
• Ability to lead complex problem-solving initiatives, including root cause analysis and process improvement.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.
• Proven leadership in managing multi-site operations and cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on operational excellence and employee experience.
• High adaptability and innovation in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Customer-service orientation with a team member-first mindset.

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in facilities and workplace operations, including 5+ years in a managerial role.
• Extensive experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and financial operations.
• Demonstrated success in contract negotiation and vendor management across multiple geographies.
• Experience leading operational excellence programs and managing matrix organizations.
• Strong knowledge of building systems and workplace safety standards.
• Proven ability to design and deliver exceptional workplace experiences.
• Professional presence and ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

• Accountability for Results – Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving – Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity – Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication – Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration – Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development – Play an active…