Sr. Manager - Global Facilities

About this role

ABOUT US

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Sr. Manager, Facilities Strategy & Operations is both the strategic architect and operational backbone of RV Tech's Palo Alto HQ and global sites — owning long-term real estate strategy and infrastructure while ensuring day-to-day operations are safe, functional, and exceptional. This is a foundational hire: many of the frameworks, vendor relationships, tools, and processes this role owns either don't exist yet or are being built in real time, so we're looking for a self-starting leader who brings equal parts vision and execution — someone who can define the strategy on Monday and be hands-on solving a facilities problem on Tuesday. You'll partner closely with Engineering, Finance, IT, People, executive leadership and counterparts at Rivian and will be a key voice in how RV Tech scales its physical footprint as the company grows. This role is onsite 5 days a week in our Palo Alto, Ca office and reports to our Director - Finance Programs & Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Strategy & Real Estate

- Own RV Tech's multi-year global facilities strategy and real estate transaction lifecycle (site search and selection, LOIs, lease negotiation/administration, lease administration), including build vs. outsource decisions

- Lead site planning and space strategy as well as facility design/construction and new site openings, including an NSO checklist ensuring day-one operational readiness

- Build BI dashboards/frameworks for real-time visibility into facilities performance, spend, and capacity; drive continuous improvement via benchmarking

Operations & EHSS

- Own day-to-day operations across sites (maintenance, janitorial, space management, safety, vendor services and utilities management) and coordinate a network of internal team, site contacts and vendors

- Build operational plans: preventative/reactive maintenance, SLAs, CMMS, ticketing, escalation, and emergency response

- Own EHSS: OSHA/environmental compliance, incident management, physical security (guards, SOC, access, TISAX/ISO 27001), coordinating with Rivian at shared sites

- Manage the Small Works program for post-occupancy improvements

Vendor & Budget Management

- Build and manage global vendor network (janitorial, EHS/security, catering, HVAC, electrical, landscaping, etc.); run competitive bidding with Procurement and work with Rivian to establish our own vendor base

- Own 5-year CapEx and annual OpEx budgets; financial modeling for site decisions; forecasts/actuals reporting to leadership

Leadership & Stakeholders

- Build and lead a small, high-performing internal team plus outsourced partners

- Serve as primary point of contact for facilities needs/escalations; align with Rivian/VW Group counterparts on shared standards

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

- 10+ years facilities management experience, with both strategic program-building and hands-on operational ownership (not just inheriting existing programs)

- Track record managing budgets, financial models, and vendor negotiations / management

- Proven team leadership — hiring and retaining talent

- Deep technical knowledge of building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire)

- Comfortable with data/AI tools, dashboards, KPI frameworks, translating data into executive insights

- Strong communication skills for senior/cross-functional audiences

- Experience with CMMS (Fexa, Archibus, or similar); MS Office/Google Workspace

- Willingness to be on-site, travel up to 25%, and respond to critical incidents off-hours

Preferred Qualifications

- High-growth tech, automotive, or EV company experience

- Experience with R&D/engineering-heavy facilities

- Sustainability, energy management, or workplace experience background

- CFM or FMP certification

- BI tools (Tableau, Looker) and/or space platforms (Robin, Envoy)

- PM tools: Smartsheet, Airtable, Confluence; using AI tools

TOTAL REWARDS

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs https://rvtech.mybenefits.life/.

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board https://app.ashbyhq.com/internal/job-board/b10a9912-eb45-4a84-9a34-84b2a459923a.

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