Project Manager - Workplace Strategy

At Gensler, we design for people. We leverage our global perspective and local expertise to create inclusive environments that support communities through change. We're seeking a Project Manager - Workplace Strategy to join our team; someone who thrives at the intersection of research, storytelling, and human-centered design.

This is a role for a trusted advisor who leads teams supporting clients and communities navigating complex transitions with clarity, empathy, and confidence.

Your role

The Project Manager - Workplace Strategy leads workplace transformation, change management, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that shape how organizations and communities experience change. Blending strategy, research, storytelling, and project leadership, this role translates complex challenges into actionable, people-centered solutions.

As a trusted advisor, you will be accountable for leading teams that guide clients through organizational, workplace, and cultural transformation while managing and delivering compelling, visually driven strategic outcomes. You are equally comfortable in facilitating an executive workshop, synthesizing research into insights, and crafting a story that inspires action.

What You Will Do

• Manage multiple projects and workstreams simultaneously from project initiation through implementation.
• Design engagement programs that foster alignment, trust, and stakeholder buy-in.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, resource allocations, and risk management strategies.
• Oversee workplace strategy engagements that align organizational goals, culture, operations, technology, and physical environments.
• Lead teams in qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, utilization studies, workshops, and stakeholder assessments.

• Synthesize research findings and stakeholder feedback into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-making.
• Ensure compelling narratives and recommendations that connect business goals to workplace, employee experience, and organizational performance outcomes.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including strategists, designers, architects, planners, researchers, communications specialists, and consultants.
• Monitor project performance, financial tracking, scope management, and quality control.
• Ensure deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and exceed client expectations.
• Support proposal development, project scoping, budgeting, and fee development.
• Participate in client pitches and business development activities.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and cross-sell services.
• Contribute to thought leadership, market research, and practice innovation.

Who You Are

• A strategic thinker who can connect business strategy, workplace experience, and organizational outcomes.
• An experienced design manager who excels at managing complexity and competing priorities.
• A trusted advisor who builds confidence and credibility with clients.
• A skilled facilitator who creates alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.
• An empathetic change leader who understands the human side of transformation.
• A strong storyteller who can communicate complex ideas through compelling narratives and visuals.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in multidisciplinary environments.
• Equally comfortable with data, design, strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

Your Qualifications and Background

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design Research, Urban Planning, Communications, Organizational Development, Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in workplace strategy, organizational consulting, change management, design strategy, or project leadership.
• Proven success leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and disciplines.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, teams, and client relationships.
• Strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and executive presentation skills.
• Expertise in research, data analysis, storytelling, and strategic communications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign preferred), Miro, Mural, and related collaboration tools.
• Background in architecture or interior design a plus