Senior Laboratory and Office Space Planner

Sodexo is seeking a Senior Occupancy Space Planner-Laboratories & Office to support our Pharmaceutical/

Life Sciences client in Rahway, New Jersey.

The Senior Space Planner – Laboratories & Office is a strategic leader, responsible for developing and executing space planning solutions across complex pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences environments. This role leads the programming, planning, and optimization of research laboratories, GMP-regulated facilities, pilot manufacturing, office workplaces, and scientific support spaces to ensure safe, compliant, and high-performing environments. 

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in laboratory planning, regulated facilities, workplace strategy, and space analytics, with experience supporting multidisciplinary research organizations. Leveraging industry best practices, benchmarking, and regulatory knowledge, this role partners cross-functionally with Research & Development, Facilities, Engineering, EHS, and Capital Projects to deliver innovative, compliant, and future-ready workplace solutions. 

• Lead strategic space planning, programming, and workplace optimization initiatives across laboratory, office, pilot-scale manufacturing, and GMP-regulated environments.
• Develop comprehensive space programs by translating scientific workflows, equipment needs, and operational requirements into effective planning solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to scientific, facilities, and corporate real estate leadership, facilitating planning workshops and providing strategic recommendations.
• Apply expertise in laboratory planning, including biosafety laboratories, analytical sciences, research environments, pilot plants, and specialized scientific spaces.
• Ensure planning solutions align with applicable building codes, life safety standards, GMP requirements, and regulatory expectations, partnering closely with EHS, Quality, and Regulatory teams.
• Utilize space analytics, utilization metrics, benchmarking, and capacity modeling to support portfolio strategy and executive decision-making.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and workplace strategists to ensure successful project execution.
• Drive planning standards, governance, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting the growth of laboratory planning and consulting capabilities.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, Interior Architecture, Engineering, Facilities Planning, Facility Management, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred) or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in laboratory, workplace, or facilities planning within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or life sciences organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in laboratory programming, GMP-regulated environments, scientific infrastructure, and space strategy.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, building codes, and workplace planning best practices.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Must have laboratory exposure/knowledge

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience – 5 years
Minimum Functional Experience – 5 years