Director of Operations

JLL•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL is seeking an experienced Director of Operations, reporting directly to the Account Director, to lead the engineering and operations team responsible for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and general maintenance across a large urban medical center campus and Central Energy Plant. In this critical leadership role, you will own program strategy, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and team development while serving as JLL's senior operational interface with client leadership. You'll create an environment that supports developing high-performing professionals while ensuring compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, IDPH, and other regulatory agencies that reflect JLL's commitment to shaping the future of real estate for a better world through sustainable and efficient healthcare facilities supporting critical patient care environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering technology, operations management, or related field
Minimum 10-12 years of progressive facilities leadership experience and direct supervision experience in multi-building operations and Union environment
Minimum 7-10 years healthcare facilities management with at least 5 years in director-level or equivalent roles
Extensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems in commercial/critical facilities
Strong interpersonal skills with excellent oral and written communication abilities
Superior organizational skills and collaborative management style
Proficiency with CMMS and standard office IT systems including MS Office and SharePoint
Understanding of safety and environmental concerns related to building systems and equipment
Experience with TJC and other regulatory agency surveys
Expertise in periodic maintenance planning and administration
Strong business acumen, including financial planning and analysis

Nice To Haves

Professional engineering license or facilities management certifications
Experience managing central energy plant operations
Knowledge of energy management and sustainability practices
Experience developing and implementing training programs
Understanding of building automation systems and controls
Track record of implementing process improvements and operational efficiencies

Responsibilities

Lead and direct all building and systems operations through integrated facilities management approach to ensure high infrastructure availability and client satisfaction
Oversee operations leadership team including Deputy Director(s), Chief Engineers, and all maintenance departments while supporting the Account Director’s overall vision for the organization
Establish operational standards, policies, and procedures across the entire campus
Collaborate with leadership (both JLL and Client) to coordinate integration with project management, compliance, and workplace experience teams
Provide coaching and mentoring to build high-performing operations team while fostering professional development
Develop and execute strategic plans that support client objectives with focus on innovation and best practices
Drive organizational effectiveness through succession planning, talent development, and performance management
Ultimate accountability for 24/7 operations, emergency response, and business continuity
Foster culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across all trades and shifts
Serve as primary operational contact for client Director of Facilities
Ensure all maintenance operations comply with regulatory requirements from The Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, IDPH, and other agencies
Support TJC, CMS, and IDPH compliance inspections, testing, maintenance, and repairs
Oversee CMMS implementation and management across campus operations
Ensure consistent maintenance management practices and achievement of Key Performance Indicators
Oversee reporting of key metrics and maintain comprehensive documentation systems
Develop annual operating budget and actively manage expenses to ensure compliance with client and contractual requirements
Support Facility Condition Assessments and their integration into Capital infrastructure plan
Plan and coordinate major projects and service interruptions with clients and affected stakeholders
Manage MEP vendors and collaborate with Sourcing & Procurement on contract administration
Drive cost optimization initiatives while maintaining service excellence
Proactively support safety culture development and implementation of incident-free workplace practices
Ensure understanding of safety and environmental concerns related to building systems and equipment
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency enhancements
Maintain expertise in periodic maintenance planning and administration