Karen Choi

Regional Facilities Manager at Kering

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

About

I am a detail-oriented professional with a track record of delivering comprehensive facility and property management services for some of the world’s leading companies – Cisco, Standard Chartered Bank, and Citibank. I am proficient in managing a large real estate portfolio, including commercial, residential and industrial properties which include multiple buildings and sites. Throughout my career, I ensured application of the best business practices to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase productivity. My skills in managing all building maintenance and repairs in compliance with applicable building, health, safety, fire, and environmental codes as well as regulations have ensured that we provided the best, most efficient and safest work environment for property users. I also possess distinctive management approach and an ability to work collaboratively with others to accomplish goals. Career Highlights: • As Facilities Manager for CBRE, received the 2019 Leadership Award for exceptional performance in managing Cisco’s facilities. • Functioned as Assistant Facilities Manager for ISS and played a key role in administering projects for Citibank’s Central branch. Minimized costs and complied with budgetary requirements throughout all project phases. • As Johnson Control & CRBE Senior Facilities Officer for Standard Chartered Bank, coordinated all procurement, installation, and system maintenance activities while developing and communicating with network of vendors. Expertise: Facility & Property Management • Stakeholders Collaboration • Contract Negotiations • Budgeting & Cost Control Customer Service & Satisfaction • Scheduled & Preventative Maintenance • Staff Training & Development Documentation & Reporting • Relationship Building • Vendor Management • Change Management Team Leadership I am eager to further expand my network. Feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected].

Experience

  • Regional Facilities Manager at Kering
    Sep 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 10 mos

  • Facilities Manager at CBRE
    Mar 2018 - Sep 2020 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Direct management of the client company’s Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau offices inclusive of building and office maintenance, security, office furniture and equipment, facilities renovation and construction activities. Perform planning, cost estimating, budgeting, reporting, and negotiating contracts. Monitor and maintain performance of technical and mailroom teams to ensure exceptional service delivery while meeting all KPIs. Lead and train staff, prioritizing tasks and managing workload to assure operational efficiency. Maximize utilization of key resources by devising and implementing both short- and long-term facilities programs. Prevent cost overruns and achieve savings by developing maintenance contracts’ specifications, exercising strict cost controls, and sourcing alternative suppliers for items, parts, and maintenance supplies. • Honored with Leadership Award in FY19 for exceptional performance in managing Cisco’s facilities. • Played key role in restructuring and reorganizing cross-functional teams in Hong Kong and Taiwan which increased productivity and ensured seamless operations. • Enhanced users’ experience by addressing areas of concerns and facilitating services’ improvement planning and execution. • Proposed effective solutions and process improvements after collecting and analyzing critical data/information.

  • Assistant Facilities Manager at ISS Facility Services
    Apr 2017 - Mar 2018 · 1 yr

    Managed Citibank Central’s facilities cost-effectively and safely with strict adherence to corporate policies and budgetary guidelines. Delivered renovation, rectification, refurbishment, repair, and maintenance projects on time and budget and facilitated timely communication between all stakeholders. Examined and identified scope of improvement and recommended modifications and sustainability plans. Tracked projects’ progress and conducted evaluations to provide appropriate solutions and further optimize project’s strategy. • Controlled costs and complied with budgetary requirements in administering projects’ activities throughout all phases, from inception until completion. • Cultivated and sustained positive working relationships with all clients by gaining trust and confidence.

  • Senior facilities officer at CBRE
    May 2015 - Apr 2017 · 2 yrs

    Maintained the effective functioning of facilities at Standard Chartered Tower and 3 branches in Kowloon to ensure an efficient working environment for employees. Used best business practices to manage resources, services, and processes to address the needs of organization. Planned and optimized space usage to meet business objectives while advising on utilization improvements and planning options. Delivered outstanding administrative support within fast-paced environments along with streamlining operations and achieving organizational success. Established strong relationships with suppliers/vendors as well as supported negotiations and price leveraging along with reducing overall delivery time. • Coordinated all procurement, installation, and system maintenance activities while developing and communicating with network of vendors. • Reduced churn rate by improving customer service strategies, ensuring positive customer experiences, and maximizing clients’ satisfaction/retention. • Spearheaded life cycle assessments and capital planning processes along with evaluating architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to determine condition, remaining useful life as well as required expenditures and remedial measures.

  • Management Surveyor at JLL
    Feb 2013 - May 2015 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Managed portfolio of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, directing end-to-end property management functions, including tenant relations, facility security/maintenance, and oversight of contracted services. Developed key reports, administered budgets, allocated resources and ensured operational compliance with industry and client standards. Led property improvement projects, partnering with contractors, building owners, and stakeholders to secure on-time deliverables. • Built and strengthened tenant relationships, leading to high occupancy rates, minimal turnover, and renewal of long-term leases. • Served as point of contact for tenants, vendors, contractors, and management teams to swiftly resolve concerns and drive property success. • Balanced multiple tasks within a deadline-driven environment while utilizing administrative, organization, and communication skills. Developed knowledge of BMO, DMC and related ordinances.