Real Estate and Facilities Program Manager

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for Real Estate and Facilities Program Manager at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement, based in our Evanston, IL office.

The Real Estate and Facilities Program Manager (maintenance & sustainability) will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of real estate and facilities request process for current UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) facilities. The Real Estate & Facilities Program Manager (maintenance & sustainability) ensures real estate assets and facilities are optimized to support strategic direction and operational excellence in real estate portfolio management and facility planning.

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI) and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk, created new safety standards and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

What you’ll learn and achieve:

As the Real Estate and Facilities Program Manager, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Execute the organization’s real estate strategy aligned with its goals and objectives and develop and execute a facilities management program.

• Ensure all properties and facilities are well-maintained, safe, and compliant with regulations.

• Oversee space planning, renovation, and construction projects to ensure efficient space utilization and optimal workplace environments.

• Build-out catalog of support services provided by Real Estate & Facilities Team.

• Create documentation outlining best practices for site maintenance & sustainability.

• Track site maintenance & sustainability.

• Manage vendor relationships, including architects, leasing agents, building space experts, contractors, suppliers, and service providers, to ensure high-quality service delivery and monitor and track facility maintenance activities, including preventive maintenance, repairs, and inspections.

• Collaborate with the Finance department to develop and manage budgets for real estate and facilities operations, including leasing expenses, capital expenditures, and maintenance costs.

• Collaborate with the Finance department to conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making processes related to real estate investments and facility improvements.

• Implement cost-saving initiatives and strategies to maximize operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality facilities.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable real estate regulations, building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations.

• Mitigate risks related to real estate and facilities operations by implementing appropriate safety protocols, disaster preparedness plans, and insurance coverage.

• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes affecting real estate and facilities management.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including executives, department heads, and employees, to understand their real estate and facility needs and align them with organizational objectives.

What you’ll experience working at UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You’ll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today’s global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what’s on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Strong knowledge of real estate principles, industry trends, and best practices.

• Familiarity with building codes, construction, zoning regulations, and environmental standards.

• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and work in collaboration with colleagues across the organization to address strategic, operational, and any other roadblocks to success.

• High degree of curiosity to learn about the mission and impact of the organization and the areas of specialization of its professionals.

• Excellent financial acumen and budget management skills.

• Demonstrated expertise in negotiation, contract management, and vendor management abilities.

• Effective and engaging communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

• Project management expertise to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.

• Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to make data-driven decisions.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, construction, facilities management, business administration, or a related field.

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in real estate portfolio management, facility planning, and facilities management.

• Experience working with scientific research, academic or research institutions, and experience working with public policy, nonprofit, and/or mission driven organizations are desired.

• Experience managing facilities with chemical or similar laboratories is preferred.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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