Director, Occupancy Planning & Management

JLL • Chicago, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

JLL is seeking an occupancy planning professional to partner with end users, develop workplace and space solutions, deliver planning services, and manage and report occupancy data in alignment with workplace programs and strategy. The role uses occupancy strategy, workplace collaboration, data analysis, and planning tools to provide multiple options for complex occupancy challenges and support strategic decision-making.

The position is based in the Chicago region and follows a hybrid model, with frequent travel to Riverwoods, Illinois—three days per week or more depending on business needs—and visits to assigned buildings or business units. The work includes office and on-site building settings, physical space audits and walkthroughs, floor-plan interpretation, and collaboration with teams across locations and time zones. The posting refers to the position as Director, Occupancy Planning & Management in its heading, while the role description calls it Senior Occupancy Planner.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of strategic-level experience in occupancy or space planning, including interior office planning or move/project management in a corporate real estate setting.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, with experience using data and analytics to develop insights and support strategic decisions.
• Experience with change management and executive engagement, including the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Strong presentation skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and ability to analyze data using pivot tables and complex formulas.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for test-fit option development.
• Proficiency in CAFM/IWMS database systems such as FMS, Manhattan, Tririga, Archibus, or similar platforms.
• Self-motivated work style and ability to work independently and collaboratively, adapt to change, and learn client-specific programs quickly.
• Willingness to embrace change and explore new methods and approaches in occupancy planning.
• Ability to use data and analytics to develop insights and compelling stories for strategic decision-making.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Ability to read and interpret floor plans and conduct site assessments.
• Ability to travel to assigned buildings or business units in the region for site visits and client meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for complex test-fit option development and space planning.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in CAFM/IWMS database systems such as FMS, Manhattan, Tririga, Archibus, or similar.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Adobe Acrobat for document management and collaboration.
• Experience building credibility and executive presence with C-suite leadership and high-level clients.
• Ability to deliver difficult messages tactfully while maintaining strong relationships with business partners and stakeholders.
• Track record of adapting quickly to frequent or rapid organizational change and shifting priorities while maintaining high-quality deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with end-user customers to understand business needs, promote workplace solutions and concepts, resolve workplace issues, and answer questions about workplace programs, space allocations, and utilization.
• Manage space requests and move work orders, ensuring timely completion and regulatory compliance.
• Develop space solutions, including stacking plans, block plans, allocation plans, and adjacency diagrams.
• Gather workplace requirements through active listening and questioning, and provide creative and analytical options for client decision-making.
• Develop block plans showing future space use and layouts using graphic tools such as AutoCAD.
• Participate in business-case development for real estate actions, considering business requirements, client programs, time constraints, and projected space demand.
• Report on workplace utilization, building data, organizational data, and occupancy metrics at campus, metro, or regional levels using business intelligence dashboards, CAFM/IWMS, and MS Excel.
• Manage allocations and data accuracy in CAFM/IWMS databases, ensure seat assignments comply with adjacency requirements, and resolve non-compliant assignments promptly.
• Conduct physical space audits and walkthroughs as needed to support relocation projects.
• Collaborate with move coordination teams on strategic migration schedules and tactical moves.

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: Director