Director, Occupancy Planning & Management

JLL • Riverwoods, IL

6d • $93,100 - $116,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

JLL is seeking an occupancy planning professional to partner with end users, develop workplace and space solutions, consistently deliver planning services, and manage and report occupancy data in alignment with workplace programs and strategy. The role recommends multiple options for complex occupancy problems and supports strategic workplace and real estate decisions. Although the posted title is Director, Occupancy Planning & Management, the description refers to the role as Senior Occupancy Planner.

The position is based in the Chicago region under 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 combines office settings with on-site building visits, space audits, walkthroughs, and collaboration with teams across locations and time zones. Compensation is expected to be $93,100 to $116,000 per year. Visa sponsorship is not provided; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

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 skills, with experience using data and analytics to generate insights and support strategic decisions.
• Experience with change management and executive engagement, including the ability to impact and influence senior leadership.
• Strong presentation skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communicating complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with the 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, with flexibility to learn and master new 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 that support strategic decision-making.
• Ability to read and interpret floor plans and conduct site assessments.
• Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

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, understand business needs, promote workplace solutions and concepts, resolve workplace issues, and serve as a point of contact for questions about workplace programs, space allocations, and utilization.
• Manage space requests and move work orders to ensure timely completion and regulatory compliance.
• Develop space solutions, including stacking plans, block plans, allocation plans, and adjacency diagrams.
• Gather workplace requirements through questioning and active listening, identify underlying business needs, and provide options for client decision-making using creative and analytical thinking.
• Develop block plans to communicate 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 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 in a timely manner.
• Perform 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