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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Move Manager

💰 $65,000 - $110,000

Project ManagementLogisticsFacilities ManagementOperations

🎯 Role Definition

A Move Manager is the central nervous system for any corporate relocation, renovation, or reconfiguration project. At the heart of this role is the expert coordination of people, assets, and processes to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to business operations. You are the project leader, the primary communicator, and the on-the-ground problem-solver, responsible for taking a move project from initial concept through to post-move support. Success in this position means delivering a seamless, on-time, and on-budget relocation experience that allows employees to leave their old workspace one day and be productive in their new one the next.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Move Coordinator / Relocation Coordinator
  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Move Manager / Program Manager, Relocation Services
  • Director of Facilities / Corporate Real Estate
  • Senior Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Project Manager (Construction or IT)
  • Operations Manager
  • Space Planner / Workplace Strategist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the end-to-end project lifecycle for all Move, Add, Change (MAC) activities, from small-scale restacks to large, multi-phase corporate headquarters relocations.
  • Develop comprehensive and detailed move project plans, defining scope, critical path timelines, resource requirements, and project budgets for stakeholder approval.
  • Serve as the single point of contact and trusted advisor for clients, internal departments, and executive leadership throughout the entire relocation journey.
  • Conduct initial discovery meetings and site surveys with stakeholders to accurately capture all move requirements, dependencies, and success criteria.
  • Create, manage, and meticulously track complex move budgets, processing invoices and providing regular financial reporting to ensure projects are delivered within financial targets.
  • Source, vet, negotiate with, and manage a diverse roster of third-party vendors, including moving companies, furniture installers, IT technicians, and specialty service providers.
  • Develop and issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotes (RFQs) for move-related services, analyzing bids and managing the procurement and contracting process.
  • Act as the primary liaison with IT and Technology departments to orchestrate the seamless disconnection, relocation, and reconnection of all user and infrastructure technology.
  • Collaborate closely with Space Planners and Facilities Management to implement new workplace layouts and seating assignments, often utilizing CAFM/IWMS software and AutoCAD drawings.
  • Design and execute clear, consistent, and timely communication plans to keep all affected employees and managers informed of schedules, procedures, and expectations.
  • Lead and document recurring project meetings (e.g., pre-move planning, status updates) with key stakeholders to ensure project alignment and proactively address risks.
  • Provide hands-on, on-site supervision and direction during all phases of the physical move, including evenings and weekends, to manage crews and resolve real-time issues.
  • Develop robust risk mitigation and contingency plans to anticipate and effectively respond to potential challenges that could impact the project schedule or business operations.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all building management rules, landlord requirements, and internal Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.
  • Oversee the systematic inventory, protection, packing, and labeling of all company assets—including furniture, equipment, and files—to ensure accurate tracking and placement.
  • Coordinate the full decommissioning of vacated premises, ensuring the space is returned to the landlord in a condition compliant with lease-end obligations.
  • Conduct thorough post-move walkthroughs and manage the resolution of the "punch list" to guarantee client satisfaction and address any final deficiencies.
  • Develop and maintain a master program schedule for all relocation and reconfiguration projects, effectively managing a portfolio of concurrent initiatives.
  • Prepare and deliver comprehensive close-out reports detailing project outcomes, budget-to-actual reconciliation, key performance indicators, and valuable lessons learned.
  • Manage the sustainable and cost-effective disposition of redundant furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) through resale, donation, or recycling.
  • Liaise with building management, security, and loading dock personnel to coordinate all logistical needs, including site access, elevator usage, and staging areas.
  • Provide change management guidance and support to help employees and teams successfully adapt to new work environments, protocols, and workplace technologies.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the facilities team with ad-hoc space planning requests and exploratory scenario modeling.
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the organization's standardized move management playbook, tools, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with business leaders and HR to translate headcount projections into long-term space and relocation strategies.
  • Participate in departmental planning sessions and contribute to the overall facilities and real estate roadmap.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Project Management Software: High proficiency in tools like MS Project, Asana, Smartsheet, or similar for creating and managing complex schedules.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in Excel for budgeting/tracking, PowerPoint for presentations, and Word for communications.
  • Reading Floor Plans: Ability to read, understand, and mark up architectural drawings and furniture plans (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Revit).
  • CAFM/IWMS Systems: Experience using Computer-Aided Facility Management or Integrated Workplace Management System software (e.g., iOffice, OfficeSpace, FM:Systems).
  • Relocation Logistics: Deep understanding of move/add/change (MAC) processes, phasing strategies, and industry best practices.
  • Vendor & Contract Management: Proven ability to manage vendors, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement from RFP to execution.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong experience in creating, tracking, and reporting on project budgets of varying sizes and complexity.
  • Building Systems Knowledge: A working understanding of building infrastructure, including MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), data cabling, and security systems.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations, as well as ADA and local building codes.
  • Space Planning Principles: Familiarity with modern workplace strategy, space utilization metrics, and furniture systems.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: The ability to articulate complex information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences.
  • Superior Organization: Flawless organizational and time-management skills, with a proven capacity to manage multiple competing priorities.
  • Decisive Problem-Solving: A talent for identifying issues, analyzing solutions, and making calm, effective decisions under pressure.
  • Client-Service Mentality: A relentless focus on customer satisfaction and building strong, positive relationships with stakeholders.
  • Skilled Negotiation: The ability to negotiate effectively with vendors, internal partners, and other parties to achieve the best outcomes.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for detail that ensures no aspect of the move, however small, is overlooked.
  • On-Site Leadership: The presence and confidence to direct and motivate diverse teams, including movers, technicians, and contractors.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: The flexibility to pivot quickly in response to unforeseen challenges and changing project requirements.
  • Proactive & Autonomous: A self-starter who takes initiative and can drive projects forward with minimal supervision.
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build rapport, establish trust, and navigate complex organizational dynamics with diplomacy and tact.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Project Management
  • Business Administration
  • Facilities Management
  • Logistics or Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of direct experience in corporate move management, facilities project management, or a closely related role.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrable experience managing large-scale (100+ employees), multi-phase corporate relocations from start to finish. A PMP (Project Management Professional), FMP (Facility Management Professional), or other relevant certification is highly desirable.
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