Michael Bowker Email & Phone Number

Auckland, New Zealand

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

I joined Salesforce six months before the completion of Salesforce Tower, a high-stakes period where I was tasked with establishing the Workplace Services function in a brand-new, state-of-the-art environment. My role involved rapidly onboarding over 180 contractors, setting up nearly 30 contracts, including significant deals like a large cleaning contract and culinary agreement.Challenges were abundant—tight timelines, high expectations, and the need to integrate complex services smoothly. Navigating these hurdles required strategic thinking, precise execution, and strong collaboration. I implemented clear KPIs and SLAs, created streamlined onboarding processes, and worked closely with global teams to ensure alignment across all service operations.Leading a newly formed team of seven, I drove initiatives that enhanced the employee experience, from optimizing facility operations to curating spaces that foster productivity and engagement. I managed large-scale programs and introduced innovative solutions that not only met but exceeded operational standards.This role was a profound learning experience, reinforcing my belief in the power of strategic facility management and the impact of creating workspaces that inspire. It taught me the importance of agility, the value of meticulous planning, and the significance of building environments that support both business objectives and employee wellbeing.

New Zealand

As a Workplace Experience Manager at Xero, I was responsible for transforming multiple Auckland sites into spaces that embodied Xero’s values, promoting collaboration, innovation, and employee wellbeing. My mission was to create workplaces that were not just functional but truly inspiring.I faced the challenge of managing complex operations across various sites, including day-to-day landlord relations, property acquisitions, fit-out projects, and service contracts. I also had to ensure that every aspect of the workplace was compliant with health, safety, environmental, and security standards. Balancing operational excellence with a human-centered approach, I made sure each space supported employees in doing their best work.I overcame these challenges by focusing on strategic planning, clear communication, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. This approach enabled me to streamline operations, enhance building services, and deliver seamless workplace experiences. My role also involved maintaining OPEX and CAPEX budgets, negotiating service contracts, and managing large-scale build projects—always with the goal of aligning workplace services with Xero’s broader business objectives.One of my key achievements was implementing improvements that significantly enhanced the employee experience, from optimizing facilities management to creating inviting spaces that fostered a sense of community. I focused on elevating the everyday work environment, making it a place where people felt inspired and valued.My time at Xero taught me the power of integrating workplace design with company culture. I learned that a well-managed environment goes beyond aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall business success. This experience solidified my commitment to creating dynamic, high-performing workplaces that reflect and amplify organizational values.

New Zealand

In my role as Facilities and Workplace Manager at Mercury, I was entrusted with the task of merging operational excellence with innovative workplace design, ensuring every space was both functional and inspiring. I was responsible for managing the end-to-end workplace experience, overseeing everything from facility operations to strategic planning and project execution.One of the main challenges I faced was balancing day-to-day operations with the need to continually enhance and adapt the workplace to meet the evolving needs of the organization. From managing property acquisitions and lease negotiations to overseeing complex fit-out and build projects, my role demanded a strategic approach to creating environments that would drive productivity and foster employee satisfaction.To tackle these challenges, I implemented streamlined processes that improved service delivery and enhanced the overall functionality of the workplace. I negotiated and managed service contracts, ensuring that all vendor relationships were optimized for both cost efficiency and quality of service. Compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations was a top priority, and I worked diligently to ensure Mercury’s spaces met the highest standards.My achievements included successfully delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget, enhancing building services, and creating spaces that were not just operationally sound but also engaging and conducive to employee wellbeing. I focused on leveraging data-driven insights to make informed decisions, aligning workplace strategies with Mercury’s business goals and values.This role deepened my expertise in facilities and workplace management and underscored the importance of a proactive, hands-on approach. My time at Mercury reinforced my passion for creating high-performing environments that support both organizational objectives and the wellbeing of the people who work within them.

New Zealand