Senior Manager, Workplace Portfolio

Waabi, founded by AI visionary Raquel Urtasun, is the leader in Physical AI. With a world‑class team, we’re unlocking the next era of autonomous transportation with technology that powers commercial autonomous trucks and robotaxis. Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..ai

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Manager, Workplace Portfolio to join our growing team. This individual will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight and optimisation of our company’s diverse real‑estate and facilities portfolio across the United States and Canada. You will play a critical role in shaping our long‑term facilities strategy, considering operational‑efficiency opportunities, and ensuring our physical footprint aligns with our business objectives and employee needs.

• Portfolio Strategy & Planning:
  Develop and execute a long‑term facilities portfolio strategy aligned with the company’s growth plans, financial objectives and cultural values inclusive of office spaces, R&D workshops and business operational spaces. This includes identifying opportunities for optimisation, consolidation, expansion and new site selection.
• Real Estate & Lease Management:
  Manage all aspects of real‑estate transactions, including lease negotiations, renewals, expansions and dispositions. Collaborate with legal, finance and external brokers to ensure favourable terms and compliance.
• Space Planning & Utilisation:
  Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g. HR, IT, departmental leaders) to understand space requirements and develop innovative solutions for efficient space utilisation, including agile work spaces, hybrid models and future‑forward office designs that can be applied with consistency across the portfolio to create a cohesive visual identity for Waabi.
• Capital Planning & Budgeting:
  Develop and manage capital expenditure budgets for facilities projects, including new construction, renovations and major equipment upgrades. Monitor and control spending to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Vendor & Contract Management:
  Provide a strategic view on desired vendor strategy and landscape to guide the Facility Operations team in how they engage with external vendors and service providers, including property management, maintenance, construction and security. Support and as necessary negotiate and manage contracts to ensure quality service and cost‑effectiveness.
• Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Collect, analyse and report on key facilities metrics (e.g. space utilisation, operational costs, energy consumption, project status) to inform decision‑making and demonstrate portfolio performance.
• Sustainability Initiatives:
  Drive and support sustainability initiatives across the facilities portfolio.
• Team Collaboration & Management:
  Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Finance, Legal, HR, IT and individual business units to ensure seamless integration of facilities services with overall business operations. Manage a small team of local and remote employees as needed alongside Waabi’s growth and expansion.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  Effectively communicate facilities strategies, plans and performance to executive leadership and other relevant stakeholders.

• Bachelor degree or higher.
• Advanced degrees, certifications or licences in real‑estate, portfolio or facility management or operations are a plus.
• At least 7 years of experience in facilities management, real‑estate portfolio management or corporate real‑estate, with a strong focus on strategic planning and execution.
• Demonstrated experience managing a multi‑site real‑estate portfolio, preferably within a fast‑paced technology or high‑growth environment.
• Strong understanding of commercial real‑estate markets, lease structures and negotiation strategies.
• Proven ability to develop and manage complex budgets and capital plans and manage execution of…