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Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology to our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people in our industry; and we support them through professional growth, flexibility, and personalized benefits to manage life in and outside of work. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades, and technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, we empower you to shape a brighter way forward so you can thrive professionally and personally.
Head of Design - JLL Project ServicesPosition OverviewThe Head of Design provides strategic leadership and oversight for all design management activities across JLL's project portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing design excellence standards, developing design management capabilities, and ensuring the seamless integration of design with business strategy and project delivery across the organization.Strategic Leadership
Design Strategy and Vision
Develop and implement enterprise-wide design strategy aligned with JLL's business objectives
Establish design excellence standards, methodologies, and best practices across all project types
Lead innovation initiatives and integration of emerging design technologies and processes
Define design quality benchmarks and performance metrics across the portfolio
Shape organisational design culture and champion client-centric design solutions
Portfolio Oversight
Provide strategic oversight for design activities across multiple projects and regions
Establish design governance frameworks and quality assurance protocols
Monitor portfolio-wide design performance, risks, and opportunities
Ensure consistency in design standards and delivery approaches across the organisation
Lead major client presentations and design milestone approvals for strategic projects
Organisational Development
Team Leadership and Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design management organisation
Develop talent pipelines and succession planning for design leadership roles
Establish training programs and professional development initiatives
Foster collaborative culture across design, construction, and client-facing teams
Set performance objectives and conduct strategic team reviews
Process and Systems Innovation
Drive implementation of advanced design management systems and digital tools
Lead adoption of BIM, digital twin, and other innovative design technologies
Establish standardised workflows for design coordination and documentation
Champion sustainable design practices and performance-based design approaches
Develop knowledge management systems for design lessons learned and best practices
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Client Relationships
Serve as senior design advisor to key clients and executive stakeholders
Participate in business development and strategic account planning
Represent JLL's design capabilities in industry forums and thought leadership initiatives
Build relationships and establish framework agreements with architecture and engineering partner firms
Lead resolution of complex design-related issues and client concerns
Regulatory and Industry Engagement
Maintain awareness of evolving codes, regulations, and industry standards
Engage with regulatory bodies and industry organisations on design matters
Advocate for design excellence within the commercial real estate industry
Monitor market trends and emerging requirements affecting design delivery
Project Delivery Excellence
Design Integration and Coordination
Ensure effective integration between design development and construction execution phases
Oversee design coordination for complex, multi-disciplinary projects
Review and approve design approaches for risk, compliance, and constructability
Guide resolution of design conflicts and technical challenges across the portfolio
Champion integrated project delivery and collaborative delivery methods
Establish in-house capability for self-delivery of design and technical support
Quality and Compliance Oversight
Establish quality control frameworks for design deliverables and documentation
Ensure regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions and project types
Monitor design-related risks and implement mitigation strategies
Oversee sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance programs
Lead design audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related design discipline; Master's degree preferred
Professional licensure (PE, RA, or equivalent) required
15+ years progressive experience in design management or construction sector with at least 5 years in senior leadership
Proven track record leading design organisations or large design teams
Extensive experience across diverse project types, delivery methods, and geographic markets
Deep knowledge of building systems, construction methodologies, and project delivery frameworks
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management
Key Skills and Competencies
Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen
Executive-level communication, presentation, and influencing skills
Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities
Advanced understanding of design technology, BIM, and digital delivery platforms
Expertise in multiple project delivery methods including design-build, IPD, and P3
Deep knowledge of sustainability frameworks (LEED, BREEAM, WELL) and ESG principles
Commercial awareness and understanding of design's business impact
Change management and organizational transformation experience
Success Metrics
Design quality, client satisfaction, and portfolio performance outcomes
Successful development and retention of design talent and leadership bench
Innovation adoption and digital transformation progress
Client engagement scores and repeat business from strategic accounts
Portfolio-wide adherence to design standards and compliance requirements
Contribution to business growth through design excellence and thought leadership
Industry recognition and JLL's reputation as a design management leader
Reporting Structure
This executive role reports to senior leadership within JLL Project Services and collaborates closely with regional and functional leaders across the organisation.
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements below. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health.
About JLL –
We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of over 102,000 individuals around the world who help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. As a global Fortune 500 company, we also have an inherent responsibility to drive sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we’re committed to our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world. We’re using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities.
Our core values of teamwork, ethics and excellence are also fundamental to everything we do and we’re honored to be recognized with awards for our success by organizations both globally and locally.
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where we all feel welcomed, valued and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are today and where we’re headed in the future. And we know that unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation and succeed together.
