Assistant Facilities Manager - 12 month contract

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses -The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

Summary and purpose of the role   

The Global Facilities Management team offers a diverse range of services to our colleagues and this role requires a well-rounded skill set and enthusiasm to help create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment 

With oversight and direction from the Global Head of FM, you will lead in the implementation and day to day management of facilities services for the Economist Group’s Americas offices, with particular emphasis on the successful planning and delivery of upcoming office relocations, including our NY headquarters. 

Working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, you will turn the agreed move project into a practical plan, co-ordinate activity on the ground and will be responsible for ensuring that the relocation is delivered safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to business operations.

You will provide an excellent office environment and build and maintain a strong working relationship with all of our colleagues and visitors.

Key accountabilities 

Office move: project delivery support

Work with the Global Head of Facilities, internal stakeholders, and external architects and other contractors to deliver successful office moves, beginning with The Economist Group’s US headquarters in NYC:

• If required, visit potential spaces to determine their suitability to satisfy the brief
• Translate the approved move brief into a detailed delivery plan covering milestones, dependencies, owners, access requirements, risks, decisions and contingency actions.
• Maintain the project schedule, action log, risk and issue register, decision log, budget tracker and change control record; provide concise status updates and early warning of slippage.
• Coordinate surveys, site readiness checks, landlord requirements, building access, licences, insurance evidence, method statements and contractor documentation.
• Work with workplace design, IT and business teams to validate floor plans, desk and room allocations, furniture requirements, storage, signage, equipment, accessibility and operational needs.
• Coordinate procurement and supplier activity for removals, furniture, storage, cabling, IT deployment, cleaning, security, signage, waste and other workstreams within the agreed scope.
• Plan move sequencing, packing and labelling, crate distribution, specialist-item handling, staff guidance and departmental responsibilities.
• Lead on-site coordination during enabling works, move days and initial occupation, including inductions, access, deliveries, escalation, progress checks and end-of-day reconciliation.
• Protect business continuity by coordinating with IT and operational teams, confirming critical services, fallback arrangements, handover criteria and go/no-go information.
• Manage snagging and defects, verify close-out evidence, coordinate post-move support and help transition the new workplace into business-as-usual facilities operations.
• Support closure or handback of the former office, including asset removal, waste and recycling, final cleaning, access returns, meter or service information and dilapidations activity where applicable.
• Act as an approachable, informed point of contact for practical move questions and workplace issues.
• Build productive relationships with department leads and move champions; capture requirements, confirm decisions and manage expectations.

Facilities operations

• Support the daily operation of the office workplace, meeting rooms and reception area, ensuring that a professional service and high standard of accommodation is provided at all times.
• Complete regular property inspection audits and assist with premises management issues resulting from these checks.
• Liaise with relevant building management teams and landlord’s agents to ensure that The Economist Group complies with all building rules and regulations.
• Negotiate, co-ordinate and monitor Facilities Management contracts and service agreements, including planned maintenance, reactive repair services and adhoc jobs, with a strong attention to detail.
• Establish and maintain proper site records in accordance with best practice rules.

Performance measures

• Facilities requests and planned actions are completed within agreed service levels, with clear records and communication.
• The new office is safe, clean, secure, accessible and operationally ready against an agreed readiness checklist.
• The move is delivered to the approved scope, key dates and budget, with changes controlled and reported.
• Business disruption, safety incidents, lost assets and avoidable rework are minimised.
• Stakeholders receive timely, practical information and know what is required of them.
• Snags, records, warranties, manuals and supplier handovers are completed promptly and transferred into business-as-usual ownership.

Skills and capabilities profile

• Practical experience in facilities, workplace, property, office operations or a similar service environment.
• Experience coordinating an office move, workplace change, fit-out, refurbishment or another multi-supplier operational projects.
• Ability to build and maintain project controls, including plans, actions, risks, budgets, changes and status reports.
• Experience supervising contractors and coordinating work in an occupied or operational environment.
• Working knowledge of workplace health and safety responsibilities, contractor controls and risk assessment principles.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace and a project/task-management tool; able to maintain accurate spreadsheets and records.
• Highly organised, dependable and comfortable managing several live workstreams.
• Visible and hands-on, with the judgement to solve practical problems at pace.
• Clear communicator who can adapt information for colleagues, senior stakeholders and suppliers.
• Commercially aware, numerate and attentive to detail.
• Calm under pressure, with sound prioritisation and escalation judgement.
• Collaborative and service-minded, while willing to challenge unsafe work, missed commitments or uncontrolled changes.

This is a 12 month contract starting ASAP based out of our New York office 3+ days a week. 

 

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position is between $75,000-$89,000. It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. Rather, salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered.

 

#LI-Hybrid 

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required. 

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.