paid time off
paid holidays
401(k)
profit sharing
Workplace Strategy at Gensler is focused on enabling transformation. Through a creative and collaborative approach grounded in research, analytics, and human-centered design, we help organizations align their workplace, culture, technology, and operations to achieve meaningful business outcomes.
Our Strategy practice in San Jose is growing, and we are seeking a talented Senior Workplace Strategist to lead data-driven workplace consulting engagements across a broad range of services, including workplace strategy, programming, workplace research, portfolio planning, workplace standards, and change management.
This is a senior-level role for an established strategist who is passionate about shaping the future of work and translating insight into actionable solutions. Working closely with strategy, design, and office leadership, you will lead projects, build trusted client relationships, mentor team members, and contribute to the continued growth of Gensler's Strategy practice in Northern California.
What You Will Do:
On Projects
Lead workplace strategy and programming engagements from discovery through recommendation and implementation planning
Conduct workplace assessments, utilization analyses, occupancy studies, and scenario planning exercises
Develop workplace concepts, strategic frameworks, and future-state workplace recommendations
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns, opportunities, and key insights
Design and facilitate workshops, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and visioning sessions
Translate research findings into compelling presentations, reports, and executive-level recommendations
Partner with architecture and design teams to ensure strategic objectives are effectively carried through project execution
Develop workplace narratives that connect business goals, employee experience, and design outcomes
Lead the development of workplace guidelines, planning principles, and space standards for regional and enterprise clients
Contribute to workplace planning frameworks, space typologies, occupancy models, and workplace policies
Assist clients in evaluating and refining existing workplace standards and portfolio strategies
Develop strategic tools, methodologies, and resources that strengthen the quality and consistency of workplace strategy deliverables
Managing the Work
Lead day-to-day project delivery activities and coordinate multidisciplinary teams
Develop project schedules and manage deliverables to ensure successful outcomes
Monitor project scope, fee performance, and resource allocation in partnership with project leadership
Maintain accountability for project quality, organization, and communication
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior strategists and emerging team members
With Clients
Build and maintain strong client relationships
Serve as a trusted advisor regarding workplace transformation, space planning, and organizational change
Lead client meetings, presentations, and strategic discussions
Understand client objectives, business priorities, and organizational culture
Communicate recommendations with confidence and clarity to stakeholders at all levels
Business Development & Practice Growth
Lead proposal development, project pursuits, and client presentations
Contribute to thought leadership initiatives, research efforts, and industry engagement
Collaborate with Strategy, Brand Design, Sustainability, Digital Experience, and Architecture teams to deliver integrated solutions
Help strengthen the visibility and impact of Gensler's Strategy practice in the region
Your Qualifications
Who You Are:
You are passionate about the built environment and its impact on organizations and people. You:
Understand how workplace design, policy, technology, and operations influence business performance and employee experience
Bring a research-based and data-informed approach to problem-solving
Have a thoughtful point of view on the future of work and workplace transformation
Communicate complex ideas clearly through presentations, storytelling, and visualization
Balance strategic thinking with practical implementation
Thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
Demonstrate strong business judgment and project management skills
Are curious, entrepreneurial, and motivated to help grow a practice
8+ years of professional experience in workplace strategy, workplace consulting, space programming, portfolio strategy, organizational consulting, or related disciplines
Demonstrated experience leading workplace strategy and programming projects
Strong understanding of workplace analytics, utilization studies, occupancy planning, and scenario modeling
Experience facilitating workshops and engaging senior stakeholders
Proven ability to translate research and data into meaningful workplace recommendations
Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and multidisciplinary teams
Experience working within or alongside architecture, interior design, planning, or workplace consulting organizations
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Environmental Design, Urban Planning, Real Estate, Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology, Business Strategy, or a related field
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Miro, Mural, and Microsoft Teams
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, is preferred
Comfort integrating AI-enabled research and synthesis tools into strategic workflows
A Plus
Experience developing workplace guidelines, standards, or planning frameworks
Change management and workplace transformation experience
Familiarity with workplace analytics platforms, occupancy tools, and portfolio management systems
Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization platforms
WELL AP, LEED, CoreNet MCR/SLCR, or related credentials
Published research, speaking engagements, or industry thought leadership
Experience working with global or multi-site organizations
About Strategy at Gensler
Gensler's Strategy Practice explores how space, technology, services, and policy can create exceptional experiences and support organizational success. Through research, analytics, and human-centered design, we help clients develop workplace strategies that align with their business objectives and prepare them for the future.
Working closely with our design teams in San Jose and across the globe, we develop innovative solutions that help organizations evolve, adapt, and thrive in a changing world.
To be considered: Portfolios should include at least 1 project with this particular focus in PDF format
This is not a hybrid or remote position. If you're open to relocatingto theBay Area, please apply! Non-local candidates are welcome. U.S. News & World Report's San Jose, often referred to as the capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose is a diverse city with an innovative spirit.
The base salary will be estimated between $140,000 - $175,000. Gensler's total compensation package is multi-layered and includes a base salary, two annual bonuses paid in December and June, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and profit sharing. To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
Life at Gensler
At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to 'Well-being Awareness Week,' our offices reflect our people's diverse interests.
We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.
medical
dental
vision
disability
wellness programs
flex spending
paid holidays
paid time off
401k
profit sharing
employee stock ownership
twice annual bonus opportunities
Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.
Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.
See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, right to work and E-verify program, as required by law.
Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.
Regarding Gensler's approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email talentacquisition@gensler.com.