Senior Lab Planner

Position Summary The Senior Labs Planner leads the planning and coordination of complex, high-impact laboratory projects and supports long-term supply and demand planning as well shorter-term technical projects. This individual acts as the primary liaison among cross-functional teams—including client lab managers / users, Real Estate and Workplace Services (REWS), Real Estate Design and Delivery (REDD), Labs Engineering, and Labs Project Management, among others—to facilitate seamless communication and timely project handoffs. The role involves developing comprehensive project frameworks, creating supply/demand scenarios, driving continuous improvement in lab planning methodologies and delivering lab-based solutions while mentoring other planners.

Essential Job Duties Strategic Planning & Scenario Development

• Lead scenario planning and strategy, including analysis, stack planning, migration planning (identifying swing space needs), block plans, allocation plans, and adjacency plans.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and document the strategic vision, long-term goals, and business justification for lab facilities.
• Develop and present problem statements, business cases, and strategic planning options for labs with recommendations, outlining benefits, risks, and pros/cons.
• Support the development of lab portfolio migration strategies and manage initiatives and re-stacks spanning multiple Product Areas
• Utilize data analysis tools to generate lab space solutions and compare options to achieve a comprehensive view of potential outcomes.

Technical Planning & Infrastructure

• Coordinate with Labs Engineering and Project Management teams to evaluate MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) capacity during feasibility studies and ensure infrastructure capabilities in target labs.
• Provide technical planning support, including programming, equipment details, and solution development (space plans, lab furniture/equipment layouts, test fits, and block plans).
• Identify complex equipment integration requirements and critical infrastructure planning needs.
• Apply knowledge of building codes, fire safety regulations, and accessibility standards to planning activities.

Operations, Standards and Collaboration

• Conceptualize preliminary requirements for multiple lab projects, including data gathering, scope determination, and goal identification, before handing off test fits and supporting documentation to the Project Management team for implementation.
• Create and maintain trackers for Product Area lab space and related schedules.
• Own one or more initiatives, track assigned deliverables, and provide timing/scheduling inputs to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Ensure lab space planning activities comply with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and client satisfaction targets.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the lab infrastructure database and Adaptive Work records by providing timely updates.
• Collaborate with internal and external vendor partners, including Occupancy Planning, MAC/Moves, Delivery, Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) and Project Managers, as required.

Mentorship & Optimization

• Provide mentoring, coaching, and training to Lab Planners and new team members on programming, planning analysis, and solution development.
• Analyze data and identify trends in space allocation and use them to discover optimization opportunities and actionable insights for design.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure use of proper standards, templates, and data governance processes.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the lab infrastructure database and Adaptive Work records by providing timely updates.

Qualifications Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of related work experience in interior design, architecture, lab and/or space strategy, master planning, facilities management, or project management.
• Extensive experience with large-scale campus and portfolio-wide strategy and occupancy planning projects, including labs or other critical environments.
• Experience in analytics and performing in a fast-paced environment with measurable results.

Skills & Competenci es

• Strategic Knowledge: Proficiency in Lab space planning, programming, and occupancy strategy.
• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD, CAFM systems, and space data management solutions. Basic knowledge of lab infrastructure (power/cooling) terminology at a minimum.
• Software Skills: Advanced skills in Google Suite (Docs/Sheets/Slides) or Microsoft Office; proficient in project scheduling software (MS Projects or Smartsheet).
• Construction Knowledge: In-depth understanding of construction terminology, design disciplines; familiarity with construction permitting processes, building codes and Engineering terminology.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders on a range of lab-related topics.
• Work Style: Detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative, with the ability to work independently to manage large Product Areas and deliver required documents on time.
• Customer Service: Proven record of providing excellent customer service.
• Certifications: AIA, BIM Professional, National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) or other relevant certifications preferred.