Design Standards & Guidelines Manager

JLL • New York, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

JLL is seeking an experienced design professional with a strong background in architecture and workplace strategy to lead the development, management, and evolution of global design standards and guidelines. The role promotes consistency across the company’s global portfolio while supporting innovation and changing business needs. It combines strategic design thinking, program management, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain a comprehensive global guidelines system and support workplace design excellence.

After an initial ramp-up, approximately 50–60% of the role focuses on global guidelines development and management. This includes leading the vendor-to-company website transition, administering and optimizing the platform, correcting legacy content, managing guideline application processes and exceptions, coordinating new and revised standards, and developing specifications and supporting documentation.

Approximately 20–25% of the role involves research and development and sample coordination, including maintaining the material library, researching products and vendors, coordinating millwork prototypes, and documenting insights from design events. Approximately 15–20% involves document control and administration, including updating project archives, maintaining a centralized repository, keeping records organized and accessible, and preparing and distributing PDF documents.

The position is on-site in New York, NY. The expected compensation is $130,000–$150,000 per year. Visa sponsorship is not provided; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or a related design discipline.
• 7–10 years of professional experience in architecture and workplace strategy.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing corporate design standards or guidelines.
• Strong understanding of commercial interior design, workplace strategy, and space-planning principles.
• Proficiency with digital platform administration and content management systems.
• Advanced knowledge of design documentation, specifications, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with document management systems such as ACC/Autodesk Construction Cloud and Microsoft Teams.
• Working knowledge of sustainability frameworks and workplace wellness standards.
• Strong program management, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across diverse teams and geographies.
• Knowledge of furniture, finishes, lighting, and materials specifications.
• Understanding of cost implications across tiered design frameworks.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to synthesize complex information into actionable guidance.
• Self-directed and collaborative work style, with adaptability to evolving business needs.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Satori or similar workplace/design standards platforms.
• Experience supporting global workplace or corporate real estate portfolios.
• Familiarity with prototyping initiatives and materials research programs.
• Interest in emerging workplace trends, innovative materials, and design technology.
• Experience coordinating across creative teams, strategic partners, and operational stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead program management of the design-guidelines website transition from vendors, ensuring seamless migration and improved functionality.
• Administer the platform, manage updates and corrections, and optimize the system on an ongoing basis.
• Remediate legacy content inconsistencies and errors from prior Front Office and Tech & Ops contributions.
• Maintain design-guideline application processes and manage exceptions requested by lines of business.
• Program manage development and implementation of new and revised guidelines, including client center, reduced local-leadership, line-of-business and select, environmental graphic design, elevator lobby, Good/Better/Best, hydration station, wellness, lactation, medical, and prayer room guidelines.
• Compile furniture, finishes, and lighting specifications with regional cost data.
• Develop standardized deliverable examples, including furniture packages for Architect of Record use.
• Create and maintain Architect Onboarding presentation materials.
• Coordinate amenities metrics and space-allocation percentages with the Amenities Department.
• Manage integration and updates of sustainability content.
• Maintain references to strategic partners’ standards, including Engineering, Resilience, Technology, A/V, and Security.
• Maintain an organized, relevant, and forward-looking material and sample library; review and categorize samples as active-use or research-focused.
• Organize and archive research materials, photos, and insights from international design events and industry visits.
• Research emerging products, finishes, and vendors across budget categories; engage vendors and architects to identify innovative materials and applications.
• Program manage prototypes for new millwork solutions in coordination with the Global Design Team.
• Capture and document knowledge from design industry events and trade shows.
• Review and update project archives from the prior one to two years and maintain centralized archive repositories.
• Keep current project records organized, accessible, and up to date.
• Convert documents to PDF and distribute them to stakeholders as requested.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
• Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager