Space Planning Manager

Who We Are:

Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, psychiatric, endocrine and immunological disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids*, as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For more than three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders, because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and YouTube. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)

About the Role:

The Space Planning Manager is responsible for developing and leading complex workplace and space planning initiatives across the San Diego headquarters and global portfolio, providing technical expertise and recommendations to support effective space utilization and business needs. This role provides
strategic and operational leadership in optimizing office and laboratory space, managing occupancy and capacity, supporting organizational growth, and ensuring effective utilization of company facilities. The position is accountable for developing and implementing space planning standards, managing
workplace forecasting and scenario planning, overseeing space allocation and occupancy management, and leading complex workplace planning projects, including renovations, reconfigurations, densification, and moves, adds, and changes.The Manager serves as a key strategic partner to Facilities, Workplace Services, Real Estate, Finance, HR, IT, EHS, Procurement, and business leadership to develop and execute workplace solutions aligned with organizational priorities, financial objectives, operational requirements, and long-term growth strategies. This role provides an oversight of space planning processes, systems, data governance, drawing management, and workplace standards across the organization. The Manager is responsible for evaluating and implementing space management technologies, improving operational efficiencies, and establishing consistent planning practices across global locations. The position requires strong analytical, technical, project management, and stakeholder engagement capabilities, including the ability to independently evaluate complex space challenges, develop strategic recommendations, and present solutions to senior leadership.

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Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):

• Strategic Space Planning & Workplace Management
  • Manages the development and execution of comprehensive office and laboratory space planning strategies across the San Diego headquarters and global portfolio
  • Develops and recommends short- and long-term space planning solutions and approaches that align with organizational growth, business priorities, financial objectives, and operational requirements
  • Directs space allocation, occupancy planning, and capacity management to optimize the utilization of existing facilities while maintaining established workplace standards
  • Manages strategic workplace initiatives, including renovations, reconfigurations, densification, departmental consolidations, new construction, and workplace improvement projects
  • Oversees the development and evaluation of space plans, test fits, blocking plans, seating layouts, and alternative planning scenarios
  • Establishes planning priorities and recommends workplace solutions based on headcount projections, functional requirements, space availability, cost considerations, and business needs
  • Partners with Real Estate and Facilities leadership to support portfolio planning, expansion strategies, site master planning, and long-term facility requirements
  • Space Forecasting, Analytics & Financial Planning
  • Manages global workplace forecasting and scenario planning in partnership with Finance, HR, Real Estate, Facilities, and business leadership
  • Develops and maintains multi-year space capacity and headcount forecasts to anticipate future workplace requirements and identify potential space constraints
  • Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) related to occupancy, utilization, space capacity, allocation efficiency, and workplace performance
  • Analyzes space utilization trends and develops recommendations to maximize existing resources, improve operational efficiency, and reduce unnecessary real estate expenditures
  • Develops business cases and financial assessments for proposed workplace initiatives, including cost estimates, resource requirements, risks, and operational impacts
  • Presents data-driven planning recommendations, alternatives, and strategic options to senior leadership to support informed business decisions
  • Collaborates with Finance and Procurement to support project budgets, cost tracking, vendor proposals, and opportunities for cost savings
  • Global Workplace Standards & Governance
  • Contributes to the development and implementation of workplace and space planning standards, procedures and best practices to support consistency across company locations
  • Establishes and maintains standards for offices, workstations, laboratories, collaboration areas, conference rooms, shared spaces, and workplace furniture
  • Provides oversight of space allocation guidelines, seating assignments, workplace utilization practices, and moves, adds, and changes processes
  • Develops and maintains drawing standards, documentation requirements, naming conventions, and space data management procedures
  • Establishes governance processes to ensure accurate and consistent space information, occupancy records, and floor plans across global facilities
  • Partners with global site representatives to support standardized workplace planning practices while accommodating local operational requirements
  • Evaluates workplace standards and recommends improvements based on business growth, industry benchmarks, employee needs, and evolving workplace strategies
• Space Planning Operations & Project Management
  • Directs and manages complex workplace planning projects from initial business requirements through planning, implementation, and completion
  • Oversees departmental relocations, moves, adds, and changes, including sequencing, temporary swing-space planning, stakeholder communications, and post-move documentation
  • Leads the coordination of multiple simultaneous workplace initiatives, identifying dependencies, risks, resource requirements, and scheduling impacts
  • Establishes project timelines, deliverables, responsibilities, and performance expectations to ensure successful execution of planning initiatives
  • Partners with Facilities, IT, Infrastructure, EHS, Security, architects, contractors, and furniture vendors to coordinate operational and infrastructure requirements
  • Provides planning oversight for office and laboratory renovations, reconfigurations, and construction-related initiatives
  • Evaluates project alternatives and recommends solutions that balance operational requirements, employee experience, workplace standards, costs, and long-term flexibility
  • Identifies and resolves complex space allocation challenges, competing departmental priorities, and operational constraints
  • Ensures space planning activities are executed in accordance with company policies, applicable regulations, safety requirements, and established project standards
• Space Management Technology & Data Governance
  • Manages the evaluation, selection, implementation, and ongoing management of CAFM/IWMS and space planning technology to improve workplace planning capabilities
  • Evaluates and recommends space planning technologies and system enhancements that supports centralized occupancy management, space utilization analytics, headcount forecasting, reporting, and data accuracy
  • Partners with IT, HR, Finance, Facilities, and external technology providers to evaluate system requirements and integration opportunities
  • Establishes and oversees processes for maintaining accurate AutoCAD drawings, floor plans, seating plans, occupancy databases, and space management records
  • Develops standardized reporting tools, dashboards, and analytics to support operational planning and executive decision-making
  • Leads initiatives to improve data integrity, reporting efficiency, system adoption, and workplace planning automation
  • Oversees the management of workplace planning documentation, SharePoint resources, standards, and reference materials
• Laboratory & Specialized Space Planning
  • Provides oversight and strategic planning support for laboratory and specialized workplace environments
  • Partners with laboratory leadership, Facilities, Engineering, EHS, and technical stakeholders to evaluate laboratory space requirements and operational needs
  • Oversees the development of preliminary laboratory planning concepts, equipment inventories, and space utilization assessments
  • Coordinates with architects, engineers, consultants, and project teams to ensure laboratory planning requirements are incorporated into facility projects
  • Evaluates laboratory space constraints and recommends planning solutions that support operational efficiency, safety, and future business growth
  • Supports feasibility studies, laboratory renovations, specialized equipment planning, and long-term laboratory capacity assessments
  • Furniture Planning & Workplace Solutions
  • Provides oversight of workplace furniture planning, standards, specifications, inventory management, and installation programs
  • Develops and maintains standardized furniture solutions that support workplace functionality, consistency, cost efficiency, and long-term flexibility
  • Partners with Procurement, furniture manufacturers, dealers, and project teams to evaluate furniture solutions, pricing, and vendor proposals
  • Identifies opportunities to maximize existing furniture assets, reduce expenditures, and improve inventory management
  • Oversees furniture planning associated with renovations, departmental moves, new construction, and workplace reconfigurations
  • Ensures furniture planning aligns with established workplace standards, ergonomic considerations, accessibility requirements, and operational needs
  • Leadership, Stakeholder Management & Communication
  • Serves as a key functional subject matter expert and resource to business leaders on space planning, occupancy management, workplace standards, and capacity planning
  • Builds and maintains strong partnerships with senior leaders, department heads, global site representatives, and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Leads plannings discussions with business leaders to evaluate space requirements, resolve competing priorities, and develop solutions aligned with company objectives
  • Prepares and delivers executive-level presentations, dashboards, business cases, and strategic recommendations related to workplace planning initiatives.
  • Provides direction to internal team members, external consultants, vendors, and project partners supporting space planning activities
  • Establishes priorities, coordinate resources, delegate assignments as appropriate, and ensure accountability for project deliverables
  • Provides technical guidance and mentorship to less-experienced colleagues and project partners and support knowledge sharing, technical development, and consistent planning practices
  • Represents the space planning function in cross-functional meetings, strategic planning discussions, and workplace improvement initiatives
  • Drives continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen governance, enhance reporting, and improve service delivery

Requirements:

• High School Diploma AND 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in workplace planning, facilities management, space management, architecture, interior design, construction management, or a related field OR
• BS/BA degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline AND 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced knowledge of workplace and space planning principles, including office and laboratory planning, occupancy and capacity management, utilization analysis, furniture systems, and workplace standards
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, including the ability to interpret, review, and oversee architectural drawings, floor plans, and space planning documentation
• Experience with CAFM/IWMS or enterprise space management platforms is strongly preferred
• Experience with Revit, Bluebeam, and related architectural or workplace planning tools preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with experience developing forecasting models, dashboards, analytical reports, and presentations. Knowledge of space management systems, data governance, and process automation
• Experience with project budgeting, cost analysis, vendor management, and resource planning
• Familiarity with workplace accessibility, safety, and regulatory considerations applicable to space planning
• Demonstrated experience leading complex space planning initiatives and cross-functional projects, including facility reconfigurations, stakeholder coordination, and operational planning
• Experience developing and implementing workplace planning standards, occupancy management processes, and space utilization practices
• Previous experience providing technical guidance or functional leadership to cross functional project teams, consultants, or vendors preferred
• Experience supporting multiple locations or a global workplace portfolio preferred
• Experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, laboratory, or other technically complex workplace environments preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple complex initiatives, establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, and drive successful project execution across cross-functional teams
• Strong business acumen, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex space planning challenges and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions aligned with business priorities
• Strong collaboration and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships, guide cross-functional teams, and gain alignment among stakeholders with competing priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex information and recommendations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions to complex workplace planning challenges within established business objectives and guidelines
• Ability to develop functional standards, improve processes, and promote operational efficiency, data accuracy, and accountability
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs, manage ambiguity, and effectively prioritize work in a dynamic environment

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Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.

We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don’t line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.

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The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $119,700.00-$164,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.