Director, Corporate Development Strategy Operations

JLL•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies 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. Director, Corporate Development Strategy and Operations – JLL Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid) What this job involves: Drive the strategic growth engine of JLL by leading corporate development pipeline development, negotiations, and JLL’s corporate development team operations across mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. As Corporate Development Strategy & Operations Director, you'll serve as the operational backbone that defines, cultivates, and transforms deal strategy into execution reality, ensuring seamless integration of complex transactions while maintaining JLL's market leadership position. This role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, where you'll orchestrate cross-functional teams, lead negotiations, optimize deal processes, and establish the operational framework that enables JLL to capitalize on growth opportunities in the dynamic commercial real estate landscape. Your leadership will directly impact JLL's ability to expand market presence, enhance service capabilities, and deliver exceptional value to clients through strategic transactions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA strongly preferred from accredited institution
Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting with demonstrated track record of leading complex transactions
Minimum 3-5 years of investment banking experience with focus on M&A advisory, capital raising, or industry coverage, preferably within real estate, financial services, or professional services sectors
Proven expertise in M&A processes including due diligence, valuation analysis, deal structuring, and post-merger integration within professional services or real estate industry
Strong financial modeling and analytical skills with proficiency in advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis software applications
Demonstrated experience executing sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions, including preparation of pitch materials, management presentations, and transaction marketing processes
Exceptional project management capabilities with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple concurrent initiatives under tight deadlines
Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to influence senior executives and effectively manage relationships with external advisors, legal counsel, and transaction counterparties
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end strategy and operational coordination of M&A transactions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, managing multiple concurrent deals from initial due diligence through post-closing integration
Collaborate with senior leadership, legal, finance, and business unit leaders to develop and execute comprehensive integration plans that maximize synergies and minimize operational disruption
Establish and maintain standardized processes, tools, and methodologies for deal evaluation, execution, and integration, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency across all corporate development activities
Manage cross-functional project teams and workstreams, coordinating resources and timelines while maintaining clear communication channels with internal and external stakeholders throughout transaction lifecycles
Analyze market opportunities and competitive landscapes to support strategic decision-making, preparing executive presentations and recommendations for leadership review and board approval
Oversee post-merger integration activities including cultural alignment, systems integration, and operational harmonization to ensure successful realization of projected benefits and synergies
Monitor and report on key performance metrics for completed transactions, conducting post-deal reviews to identify lessons learned and continuously improve corporate development processes