Your Role
As aWorkplace Strategy Leadin Gensler's North Central Region, you will be a key partner in defining and executing the future of workplace strategy at the firm. You will lead complex programming, visioning, and strategic planning engagements for a diverse range of clientsâfrom established institutions navigating hybrid work to high-growth companies reimagining theirenvironmentsentirely. This is a player role: you will be deeply involved in the craft of strategy while helping to shape the practice itself.
You are someone who can translate organizational ambition intospatialstrategy with precision and conviction. You understand that great workplace strategy sits at the intersection of user insight, business performance, and design possibilityâand you know how to move fluently between all three. You bring a point of view about the future of work, grounded inresearchand tested through execution, andyou'reeager to bring that perspective to bear on challenging, high-stakes client engagements.
You will work closely with the Regional Strategy Director to build the NCR Strategy practice from the ground upâestablishingcredibility with clients and colleagues, developing emerging strategists, and defining what leading with strategy means in this region. You are as comfortable leading a workshop with 30 stakeholders as you are running spaceutilizationscenarios or teaching a junior team member how to scope a discovery engagement. You thrive in environments that reward initiative, intellectual rigor, and a bias toward action.
This role is based in Chicago and requires full-time presence in the office, with reasonable flexibility for personal needs.
What You Will Do
Lead workplace strategy and programming engagements from discovery through implementation, including space calculations, scenario modeling, test fits, occupancy analytics, and strategic visioning
Design andfacilitateworkshops (virtual and in-person) for groups ranging from 10 to 100+ participants, translating organizationalobjectivesinto actionable spatial strategies
Synthesize research, data, and stakeholder input into compelling strategic narratives that inform design direction and client decision-making
Partner with architecture and design teams to ensure seamless integration of strategy into project execution, serving as the strategic voice throughout the design process
Build andmaintainclient relationships independently, serving as a trusted advisor on workplace transformation, real estate strategy, and organizational change
Developmethodology, tools, and frameworks that elevate the quality and consistency of the NCR Strategy practice's workplace offerings
Mentor and upskill junior strategists on programming, facilitation, strategic planning, and client engagement
Contribute to business development efforts, including proposals, pitches, and thought leadership that positions Gensler as the strategic partner of choice for workplace transformation
Collaborate with Strategy, Brand, Sustainability, Product, and Digital Experience teams to deliver integrated, cross-functional solutions
Represent the practice in internal and external forums, building the visibility and credibility of Strategy in the North Central Region
Your Qualifications
To Be Considered
Pleasesubmita portfolio including 2â3 workplacestrategyor programming projects thatdemonstrateyour approach, craft, and impact. Additionally, include a brief statement (500 words or less) outlining your point of view on the future of work and how workplace strategy must evolve to meet it.
Learn more about our Chicago team:https://www.gensler.com/offices/chicago
This is not a remoterole,we look forward to working with our new Strategy Leader in our incredible Chicago office.
**The base salary will be estimated between $80,000 â $100,000 plus bonuses and benefits and is contingent on relevant experience.  To learn more about our compensation philosophy and full benefits offerings, please visit Great People, Great Rewards | Gensler
About Strategy at Gensler
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