Transform at JLL as a Regional IFM Lead on a global client account in our Technology Division! Our client is the world's largest advertising and communications holding company. This region would encompass their western north America offices.
Location: Flexible, ideally Kansas City, Chicago or Detroit
Work Schedule: Hybrid, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Travel requirements: 25% travel required to client sites in region
Reports to: Account Director
Estimated base salary for this position is: $123,000 - $150,700+
What this job involves:
As the Operations Lead - Workplace Services for the WPP account, you will serve as a senior subject matter expert, responsible for driving operational excellence, legislative compliance, and innovation across a portfolio of creative campuses. This account is transitioning from a traditional hard-services focus to an integrated, experience-led model. In partnership with the North American Workplace Experience Lead, you will help drive this evolution while maintaining operational excellence in core facility management activities.
In this senior professional role, you will leverage your in-depth technical knowledge to act as the primary operational advisor, guiding and mentoring site-based teams to successfully implement the new global Operating Model. You will work independently to solve complex operational challenges, ensure the application of Industry Best Practice, and deliver a wide range of activities that ensure exceptional customer experience. This role requires exceptional change management and stakeholder navigation skills. You will operate in a complex organizational environment with competing priorities between global client leadership, regional client oversight, and site-based employee needs - each with different service expectations and cost tolerances. Success requires excellent communication skills, building trust, establishing clear decision-making protocols, and maintaining momentum during ambiguity.
What your day-to-day will look like:- Act as the senior operational subject matter expert for a portfolio of site-based campus Facilities Managers, providing in-depth technical guidance and mentorship to drive the consistent implementation of the global Operating Model.
- Lead the validation and ongoing management of the NORAM financial budget baseline, ensuring accuracy and completeness as the foundation for GMP and savings commitments. Partner with site leaders to develop budgets, identify cost-optimization opportunities contributing to the annual budget reduction target and ensure adherence to the GMP commercial model. Proactively manage baseline adjustments through the formal Change Control Notice (CCN) process, providing transparent cost impact analysis and recommendations.
- Offer technical expertise and guidance to site teams on Building Management Systems (BMS), PPM schedules, and asset management, ensuring Industry Best Practices are understood and implemented.
- Manage the phased transition of services from Managing Agent (WPP holds contracts) to Principal (JLL holds contracts) model across NORAM sites, ensuring seamless handoffs.
- Provide expert guidance on EHS standards and legislative compliance, supporting internal and external audits to ensure portfolio-wide adherence and a safe working environment.
- Independently plan and lead complex regional initiatives, troubleshooting and resolving a wide range of operational issues to ensure the seamless delivery of integrated facilities management services.
- Champion the use of JLL's technology stack, leveraging platforms like Corrigo and Azara AI to analyze complex data, identify key performance trends, and recommend innovations to enhance service efficiency.
- Cultivating a positive team culture, directing, and advancing robust cross-functional teams while establishing a strategic talent pipeline for future Facility Manager and Senior Facility Manager positions
- Collaborate with a broad group of stakeholders, including regional Workplace Experience and Engineering leads, to ensure a fully integrated service delivery and a superior campus environment for the WPP client.
- Navigate organizational tensions between regional client leadership, on-site WPP employee service demands, and cost reduction imperatives - serving as a bridge-builder who maintains operational momentum despite structural friction.
- Partner with the WPP regional client leadership to establish and execute transparent change control processes for baseline budget adjustments, staffing changes, and scope modifications.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in integrated facilities management or corporate real estate, with demonstrated expertise in managing a multi-site portfolio.
- Advanced knowledge of IFM principles, including hard and soft services, vendor management, and operational best practices in a complex, client-focused environment.
- Proven ability to utilize analytical and problem-solving techniques to understand and resolve complex operational issues with creative solutions.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget oversight, financial analysis, and developing cost-control strategies within a contractual framework.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, provide guidance to colleagues, and build strong partnerships.
- Ability to work independently and manage a wide range of complex activities with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment to achieve results.
Preferred Qualifications: - 10+ years of comprehensive IFM experience, ideally within a global account model for a creative or technology-focused client.
- Direct experience working with Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or similar at-risk commercial structures.
- Experience operating as a regional leader within a global account structure, balancing global standards with regional/local customization needs.
- Experience leading large-scale projects or programs, such as new service model implementations or technology rollouts.
- High proficiency with CMMS platforms (e.g., Corrigo) and BI/analytics tools.
- Industry certifications such as CFM, FMP, or PMP, as well as relevant EHS certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, or CSP).
- Demonstrated experience in a role requiring significant mentoring and providing expert guidance to operational teams without direct supervisory authority.
Please submit your application with an updated resume, location, and contact information. If you're a current JLL employee, please apply using the Internal Career Site.
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This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Estimated compensation for this position:123,000.00 - 150,700.00 USD per year
This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:On-site -Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Kansas City, MO
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all the requirements. 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. Some of these benefits may include:
- 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
- Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
