Head of Project Management

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Head of Project Management | JLL Portugal

Location: Lisbon

About the Role

We're seeking an exceptional Head of Project Management to lead operational excellence across our PM business line in Portugal.

The Mission

Guarantee operational efficiency, financial discipline, and profitability of the Project Management business line. Your focus is on ensuring our teams, processes, systems, and financials are optimized so that when sector leads and BD bring in opportunities, we deliver exceptional results every time—building the foundation for sustainable growth.

Core Responsibilities

Operational & Financial Leadership

• P&L Ownership: Manage business line budgets with rigorous cost control, detailed margin analysis, and profitability optimization across the entire project portfolio

• Financial Discipline: Conduct meticulous budget reconciliations, variance analysis, fee management, and cost tracking with precision

• Performance Analytics: Build and maintain comprehensive KPIs, financial dashboards, and operational metrics to monitor efficiency, utilization rates, and business health

• Delivery Excellence: Ensure all projects deliver on time, within budget, and to JLL quality standards—protecting our reputation and repeat business

People & Resource Management

• Team Leadership: Provide hierarchical leadership to the PM team with clear accountability structures, performance expectations, and day-to-day management

• Talent Development: Mentor team members, conduct performance evaluations, manage HR matters, and build professional development pathways

• Resource Optimization: Implement strategic resource allocation and capacity planning to maximize team utilization and prevent burnout or underutilization

• Workforce Planning: Forecast resource needs, manage hiring requirements, and ensure we have the right talent mix to deliver current and pipeline projects

Process Excellence & Systems Infrastructure

• Standardization: Design and implement standardized PM methodologies, delivery frameworks, and best practices across all projects and sectors

• Systems Implementation: Drive adoption of project management tools, financial tracking systems, and digital solutions that enhance delivery efficiency

• Risk Management: Establish robust quality assurance frameworks, risk management protocols, and operational controls

• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in delivery processes; implement solutions that improve productivity and margins

Collaboration & Growth Enablement

• Sector Lead Partnership: Work closely with sector leads to understand pipeline requirements, support their growth objectives, and ensure PM capabilities are ready to deliver on client commitments

• BD Team Support: Collaborate with the business development team to provide accurate resource availability, capability assessments, and delivery confidence for pursuits—contributing to win strategies when needed

• Client Support: While not primarily client-facing, participate in key client meetings, presentations, or relationship building when your operational expertise adds value to growth opportunities

• Cross-Functional Integration: Ensure seamless coordination with Sustainability, Building Consultancy, and Design and Build teams for integrated project delivery

• Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with contractors, vendors, and consultants to maintain quality partnerships and competitive pricing

What You Bring

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

• 8-10 years in Project Management within construction/development sectors, with demonstrated leadership experience

• Proven track record managing operations across multi-sector portfolios (office, residential, industrial, retail)

• Strong experience in both new build and refurbishment projects

• Fluent in Portuguese and English (written and spoken)

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of construction delivery methodologies, procurement strategies, and change management

• Deep understanding of budgeting, cost control, value engineering, and financial forecasting

• Proficiency in construction contracts, risk allocation, and operational frameworks

• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification preferred

Leadership Capabilities

• Financial Acumen: Demonstrated P&L management with proven ability to drive profitability through disciplined cost control and margin optimization

• Analytical Excellence: Strong quantitative skills with genuine comfort in detailed financial analysis, spreadsheet work, variance tracking, and data-driven decision making

• Process Mastery: Proven ability to build scalable operational processes, implement systems, and drive organizational efficiency

• People Leadership: Experience building and developing high-performing teams through clear performance management, coaching, and structured development

• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of how operational excellence enables business growth and the ability to support commercial objectives when needed

What We Offer

The opportunity to build and lead a world-class PM operational platform within JLL Portugal. You'll have the autonomy to structure teams, implement systems, optimize processes, and drive financial performance—creating the foundation that enables our client-facing teams to win and deliver exceptional projects consistently while supporting the overall growth of the business line.

Location:

On-site –Lisbon, PRT

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

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.

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