Workplace Portfolio Lead

Waabi, founded by AI pioneer and visionary Raquel Urtasun, is an AI company building the next generation of self-driving technology. With a world class team and an innovative approach that unleashes the power of AI to “drive” safely in the real world, Waabi is bringing the promise of self-driving closer to commercialization than ever before. Waabi is backed by best-in-class investors across the technology, logistics and the Canadian innovation ecosystem.

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: www.waabi.ai

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Workplace Portfolio Lead to join our growing team. This individual will be responsible for the comprehensive oversight and optimization 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.

You will…

- 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 optimization, 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 favorable terms and compliance.

- Space Planning & Utilization: Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., HR, IT, departmental leaders) to understand space requirements and develop innovative solutions for efficient space utilization, including agile workspaces, 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 strategic view on desired vendor strategy and landscape to guide 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, analyze, and report on key facilities metrics (e.g., space utilization, 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 of Waabi’s growth and expansion

- Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate facilities strategies, plans, and performance to executive leadership and other relevant stakeholders.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor degree or higher 

- Advanced degrees, certifications  or licenses 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 projects in a timely and cost effective manner

- Experience managing large scale and local vendors and commercial contracts

- Experience with autonomous vehicles and/or freight operations is beneficial

- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization

- Ability and willingness to travel

- Open-minded and collaborative team player with the willingness to help others

- Strong leadership and people management skills

The US yearly salary range for this role is: $177,000 - $245,000 USD in addition to competitive perks & benefits. Waabi (US) Inc.’s yearly salary ranges are determined based on several factors in accordance with the Company’s compensation practices. The salary base range is reflective of the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations.  Note: The Company provides additional compensation for employees in this role, including equity incentive awards and an annual performance bonus.

Perks/Benefits:

- Competitive compensation and equity awards

- Health and Wellness benefits encompassing Medical, Dental and Vision coverage (for full-time employees only)

- Unlimited Vacation

- Flexible hours and Work from Home support

- Daily drinks, snacks and catered meals (when in office)

- Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events both on-site, off-site & virtually

- As we grow, this list continues to evolve! 

Waabi is a technology start-up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!

Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.