Director of Facilities

Position Overview

JLL is seeking a strategic and accomplished Director of Facilities M3 to lead comprehensive facility operations across a complex, multi-site portfolio or large-scale critical facility. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, strategic planning, financial performance, and organizational development while ensuring the highest standards of safety, compliance, and client service delivery. The ideal candidate will bring executive-level leadership capabilities, deep facilities management expertise, strong business acumen, and a proven track record of managing large-scale operations and diverse teams in dynamic environments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Provide executive-level strategic leadership for all facility operations, establishing long-term vision and direction aligned with client objectives and organizational goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive facility strategies encompassing operations, maintenance, capital planning, sustainability, and organizational development.
• Drive innovation and transformation initiatives that enhance operational performance, improve efficiency, and deliver measurable business value.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client leadership and executive stakeholders on facilities-related matters.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, vendors, and industry partners to advance organizational objectives.
  
  

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Oversee all aspects of facility operations including engineering, maintenance, environmental health and safety, security, space planning, moves management, and facilities support services.
• Establish performance standards, metrics, and KPIs to measure and drive operational excellence across all functions.
• Implement best-in-class processes, systems, and technologies to optimize facility performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Monitor operational performance against established targets and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to enhance service delivery and eliminate waste.
• Ensure seamless integration and coordination across multiple facility functions and service providers.
  
  

Financial Management & Business Planning

• Develop, manage, and control multi-million dollar operating budgets and capital expenditure plans across facility portfolio.
• Provide financial leadership including forecasting, variance analysis, cost optimization, and financial reporting to executive leadership.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining or improving service quality and client satisfaction.
• Negotiate complex contracts and service agreements with vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Drive procurement strategies and vendor management programs that deliver value and mitigate risk.
• Prepare and present business cases, investment proposals, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and client stakeholders.
  
  

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of facilities professionals including senior managers, engineers, technicians, coordinators, and support staff.
• Build high-performing organizational cultures focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, and client service excellence.
• Establish clear organizational structures, roles, and accountabilities that support effective operations and scalability.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent through strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and professional development programs.
• Conduct performance management, mentor senior leaders, and create career development pathways for team members.
• Foster inclusive, engaged work environments where diverse perspectives are valued and employees can thrive.
  
  

Compliance, Risk Management & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations including OSHA, EPA, building codes, fire safety codes, and industry-specific requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive compliance programs including permits, certifications, inspections, audits, and regulatory reporting.
• Develop and implement enterprise risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate operational, safety, environmental, and business risks.
• Lead environmental health and safety (EHS) programs that promote injury-free workplaces and environmental stewardship.
• Oversee business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, and crisis management protocols.
• Ensure facilities are audit-ready and support regulatory inspections and third-party audits.
  
  

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary executive point of contact for client leadership, building trusted partnerships based on exceptional service delivery and strategic value creation.
• Understand client business objectives, anticipate evolving needs, and proactively develop solutions that support organizational success.
• Present strategic recommendations, performance reports, and business updates to C-suite executives and boards of directors.
• Lead client strategic planning sessions, business reviews, and continuous improvement workshops.
• Manage complex stakeholder relationships across diverse functional areas including operations, finance, human resources, legal, and corporate real estate.
  
  

Capital Planning & Infrastructure Investment

• Develop long-term capital improvement plans based on facility condition assessments, lifecycle analysis, and strategic priorities.
• Prioritize capital investments that maximize asset value, minimize operational risk, and support business objectives.
• Oversee planning, design, and execution of major capital projects including renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and new construction.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards while minimizing disruption to operations.
• Collaborate with design professionals, construction managers, and contractors on complex technical projects.
  
  

Technology & Innovation

• Champion adoption of innovative technologies and digital solutions that transform facility operations and enhance service delivery.
• Implement advanced building management systems, IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Leverage data analytics and business intelligence to drive insights, optimize performance, and demonstrate value.
• Oversee implementation and optimization of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and integrated workplace management systems (IWMS).
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in facilities management and corporate real estate.
  
  

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship

• Develop and execute sustainability strategies that reduce environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, and support corporate environmental goals.
• Implement energy management programs, renewable energy initiatives, and greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
• Pursue green building certifications (LEED, WELL, etc.) and drive sustainable operations practices.
• Monitor and report on environmental performance metrics and sustainability achievements.
  
  

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or related field; Master's degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or related) strongly preferred
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in facilities management, operations, or engineering with at least 7-10 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven track record of managing large-scale facility operations with annual budgets of $10M and teams of 50 employees
• Demonstrated success leading multi-site facility portfolios or complex mission-critical facilities
• Deep expertise in facility operations including building systems, maintenance management, capital planning, and project delivery
• Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is required
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Strong financial acumen including P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Excellent strategic thinking and business planning capabilities with ability to translate vision into executable plans
• Outstanding leadership and organizational development skills with proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams
• Exceptional communication and executive presence with ability to influence C-suite leaders and board members
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship management skills
• Expert knowledge of regulatory compliance, risk management, and industry standards
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of cGMP, Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and general regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA) is preferred
• Experience in a controlled environment or cleanroom setting is a plus, but not required
• Professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Fellow of International Facility Management Association (FMA), or similar credentials
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent technical certification
• LEED AP or other sustainability credentials
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• MBA or advanced degree in relevant field
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, financial services, or data centers
• Experience with ISO quality management systems and regulatory compliance frameworks
• Background in change management and organizational transformation
• Experience managing third-party service provider relationships and outsourced operations models
  
  

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Ability to develop compelling long-term vision, anticipate market trends, and position the organization for future success.
• Executive Leadership: Exceptional leadership presence with ability to inspire confidence, drive alignment, and influence at the highest organizational levels.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and value creation with ability to link facilities strategies to business outcomes.
• Change Leadership: Proven capability to lead large-scale organizational change, manage complexity, and drive adoption of new approaches.
  
  

Talent Development: Commitment to developing leaders and building organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.

Results Orientation: Track record of delivering measurable results, achieving ambitious goals, and driving continuous performance improvement.

Stakeholder Management: Skill in building and maintaining complex stakeholder relationships, managing expectations, and navigating organizational dynamics.

Innovation & Adaptability: Drive to challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and adapt strategies in response to changing business conditions.

Operational Excellence: Deep understanding of operational best practices with ability to implement systems and processes that drive consistency and quality.

Decision Making: Sound judgment and ability to make high-stakes decisions with incomplete information while managing risk and uncertainty.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based but requires regular site visits to inspect facilities, meet with teams, and observe operations. Must be able to conduct facility tours involving walking, climbing stairs, and accessing mechanical spaces. Flexibility to travel to multiple sites within portfolio (up to 25-40% travel may be required). Ability to respond to facility emergencies and be available for critical issues outside normal business hours.

About JLL

JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. We help clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of real estate assets. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong.

JLL is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.