Sukumaran M, FMP®, SFP®

Workplace Management & CRE Leader | 20+ Years | Office Build & Project Delivery | Workplace Strategy, Facilities & Administration | Operations | Ex-Harman International | Ex-BMC Software | Ex-JLL | MBA I FMP I SFP

Greater Bengaluru Area

About

Head of Facilities & Corporate Real Estate with 20+ years of experience driving administration, infrastructure, and workplace strategy across the IT/ITES sector. I specialize in building scalable, efficient, and high-performance environments that align operational excellence with business growth, employee experience, and sustainability goals. I have led end-to-end facilities and corporate real estate functions, including the execution and management of ITES office spaces. My expertise spans critical engineering and infrastructure systems Power, UPS, DG, HVAC, Fire & Safety, CCTV, BMS, Access Control, Data Centers, and employee transport operations ensuring operational resilience, safety, and seamless business continuity. I bring a strong track record of delivering measurable business impact, including achieving ~10% OPEX cost savings through strategic planning, process optimization, and vendor governance. I have managed annual operating budgets of ~$15M of two large-scale facility while maintaining high service standards. My core strengths include corporate real estate strategy, facilities optimization, contract management, and process excellence through SOPs and policy frameworks. I have also driven sustainability programs, ESG initiatives, and CSR engagements, contributing to environmentally responsible operations and stronger community impact. A people-centric leader, I have built and led teams of 13+ members, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I am passionate about mentoring talent and creating workplace environments that enhance productivity, engagement, and organizational culture. I thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments that demand strategic thinking, execution excellence, and decisive leadership. Open to connecting with organizations and leaders focused on operational excellence, sustainable workplace transformation, and long-term value creation. Recognized by Infoblox, HARMAN, Altisource, and Cushman & Wakefield for excellence in workplace experience, office projects, and facilities management; FMP certified from IFMA with honors including Best Facilities Manager (India) and industry recognition as an Emerging & Outstanding FM Professional.

Experience

  • Head Facilities and CRE-INDIA & APJ at Infoblox
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Lead Corporate Real Estate and Workplace strategy across India and APAC, aligning workplace infrastructure with long-term business growth and regional expansion • Drive real estate portfolio strategy, site selection, lease negotiations, and portfolio optimization to support scalable and cost-effective operations • Oversee end-to-end office build and capital project delivery, including workplace design, construction management, fit-outs, and workplace transformation programs • Successfully delivered ~120,000 sq. ft. office build-out in Bengaluru, managing design, construction, workplace technology, and operational readiness • Led the establishment of a new Center of Excellence (CoE) in Pune, including location strategy, office setup, infrastructure readiness, and workplace services • Define and implement future-ready workplace strategies that enable hybrid work, collaboration, innovation, and improved space utilization • Champion employee experience and workplace engagement, creating environments that enhance productivity, well-being, and organizational culture • Lead Facilities Management, Administration, and workplace operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and workplace standards across all locations • Establish and drive Business Continuity, crisis management, and operational resilience frameworks across the region • Deliver sustainable and ESG-aligned workplaces, driving energy efficiency, green building practices, and responsible workplace operations • Lead strategic vendor partnerships and workplace service providers, ensuring quality delivery, compliance, and cost optimization • Partner with global leadership, HR, IT, and business teams to deliver integrated workplace solutions supporting organizational growth and employee experience • Build and lead high-performing regional Corporate Real Estate and Workplace teams across India and APAC

  • HARMAN International (10 yrs)
    • Senior Manager Administration & Facilities.
      Jul 2021 - Sep 2024 · 3 yrs 3 mos

      As City Lead – Facilities & Corporate Real Estate, I currently oversee a portfolio of ~395,000 sq. ft., driving end-to-end strategy and operations across multiple functions. I have been instrumental in setting up a new facility from the ground up managing real estate identification, design, project management (PMC), scope of work (SOW), execution, and seamless migration. A key achievement includes consolidating three separate facilities into a single integrated workspace, delivering significant cost savings and operational efficiencies while enhancing employee experience and collaboration. I support an employee base of 2,500+ and lead comprehensive facility operations, including infrastructure management, soft services, business continuity planning (BCP), electro-mechanical systems, engineering, transport operations, security, fire & life safety, project delivery, and real estate management.

    • Senior Manager Administration & Facilities
      Oct 2014 - Sep 2024 · 10 yrs

    • Manager II - Administration & Facilities
      Jun 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      As City Lead – Facilities & Corporate Real Estate, I oversee a portfolio of over 295,000 sq. ft. across three locations, supporting an employee base of 1,600+. I am responsible for end-to-end management of facilities and real estate operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and operational efficiency. My scope includes infrastructure management, soft services, business continuity planning (BCP), electro-mechanical systems, engineering, transport operations, security, fire & life safety, project execution, and real estate management. I focus on driving operational excellence, optimizing costs, and enhancing workplace experience across all sites.

  • Assistant Manager- Global Real Estate & Facilities. at Altisource
    Nov 2013 - Oct 2014 · 1 yr

    Responsible for end-to-end technical and soft services operations across the entire facility. Accountable for complete MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) services to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Ensure zero business downtime through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and risk mitigation. Drive cost optimization and process improvements across facility operations. Coordinate with IT teams for maintenance and smooth functioning of Data Centers and HUB rooms. Prepare MIS reports and present Monthly Management Reports (MMR) to Business Unit heads. Participate in client audits and ensure timely closure of observations. Manage all technical assets and services, including UPS systems, HVAC, CCTV, Access Control, Fire Alarm (FA), PA & FM-200 systems, WLD, Rodent Control, AV systems, BMS, Sound Masking, and related utilities. Maintain comprehensive technical MIS, including utilities consumption tracking. Plan and execute CAPEX and OPEX activities, including refurbishments, system upgrades, and addition of new infrastructure. Supervised an office build-out project of approximately 4 lakh sq. ft., overseeing planning, design, PMC, execution, and successful handover.

  • Assistant Facilities Manager at Cushman & Wakefield
    Aug 2011 - Oct 2013 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Responsible for complete building operations at client location (BMC Software), covering Technical & Soft services, Security, Transport, STPI/Customs, General Administration. Oversee commercial operations for a 100% Export-Oriented Unit, including liaison with Customs, Clearing Agents, STPI, SEZ authorities, and other external agencies. Manage employee and visitor transport, hotel bookings, mail room operations, and help desk services. Lead project management, internal and external audits, and office expansion initiatives. Manage cafeteria operations, procurement, event management, and budgeting (OPEX & CAPEX). Drive energy-saving initiatives and operational efficiency improvements. Key Achievements (FY-12 & FY-13) Ensured zero downtime for business operations across the facility. Successfully completed an office expansion project of 8,000 sq. ft. within timeline and budget (~INR 4 Crores). Achieved ~10% cost savings (INR 20 lakhs) on operational budget for FY-13. Consistently maintained high customer satisfaction with an average of 91% over two years; recorded all-time high of 96% in FY-13 H2. Sustained monthly performance evaluation scores for facility operations at an average of 95%.

  • Operations Manager at AMPS Electrical Facility Services Pvt. Ltd.
    Jun 2010 - Jul 2011 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Managing Technical services of over 70+ IT sector clients with an employees strength over 450 Responsible for business continuation and getting new clients Managing a team of 5 filed officers managing clients across Bangalore Responsible for Statutory compliance