Director of Operations

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

What this job involves: JLL is seeking an experienced Director of Operations, reporting directly to the Account Director, to lead the engineering and operations team responsible for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and general maintenance across a large urban medical center campus and Central Energy Plant. In this critical leadership role, you will own program strategy, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and team development while serving as JLL's senior operational interface with client leadership.  You'll create an environment that supports developing high-performing professionals while ensuring compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, IDPH, and other regulatory agencies that reflect JLL's commitment to shaping the future of real estate for a better world through sustainable and efficient healthcare facilities supporting critical patient care environments.

What your day-to-day will look like:

Operations Leadership and Management:

• Lead and direct all building and systems operations through integrated facilities management approach to ensure high infrastructure availability and client satisfaction

• Oversee operations leadership team including Deputy Director(s), Chief Engineers, and all maintenance departments while supporting the Account Director’s overall vision for the organization

• Establish operational standards, policies, and procedures across the entire campus

• Collaborate with leadership (both JLL and Client) to coordinate integration with project management, compliance, and workplace experience teams

• Provide coaching and mentoring to build high-performing operations team while fostering professional development

• Develop and execute strategic plans that support client objectives with focus on innovation and best practices

• Drive organizational effectiveness through succession planning, talent development, and performance management

• Ultimate accountability for 24/7 operations, emergency response, and business continuity

• Foster culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across all trades and shifts

• Serve as primary operational contact for client Director of Facilities

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all maintenance operations comply with regulatory requirements from The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, IDPH, and other agencies

• Support TJC, CMS, and IDPH compliance inspections, testing, maintenance, and repairs

• Oversee CMMS implementation and management across campus operations

• Ensure consistent maintenance management practices and achievement of Key Performance Indicators

• Oversee reporting of key metrics and maintain comprehensive documentation systems

Financial Management and Strategic Planning:

• Develop annual operating budget and actively manage expenses to ensure compliance with client and contractual requirements

• Support Facility Condition Assessments and their integration into Capital infrastructure plan

• Plan and coordinate major projects and service interruptions with clients and affected stakeholders

• Manage MEP vendors and collaborate with Sourcing & Procurement on contract administration

• Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining service excellence

Safety and Process Improvement:

• Proactively support safety culture development and implementation of incident-free workplace practices

• Ensure understanding of safety and environmental concerns related to building systems and equipment

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency enhancements

• Maintain expertise in periodic maintenance planning and administration

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, operations management, or related field

• Minimum 10-12 years of progressive facilities leadership experience and direct supervision experience in multi-building operations and Union environment

• Minimum 7-10 years healthcare facilities management with at least 5 years in director-level or equivalent roles

• Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in commercial/critical facilities

• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent oral and written communication abilities

• Superior organizational skills and collaborative management style

• Proficiency with CMMS and standard office IT systems including MS Office and SharePoint

• Understanding of safety and environmental concerns related to building systems and equipment

• Experience with TJC and other regulatory agency surveys

• Expertise in periodic maintenance planning and administration

• Strong business acumen, including financial planning and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional engineering license or facilities management certifications

• Experience managing central energy plant operations

• Knowledge of energy management and sustainability practices

• Experience developing and implementing training programs

• Understanding of building automation systems and controls

• Track record of implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies

Location: Chicago, IL

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

150,000.00 – 175,000.00 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

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

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

JLL Privacy Notice

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.

For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.

For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at HRSCLeaves@jll.com. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

California Residents only

If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.