Director, Strategic Sourcing

JLL•Chicago, IL

3d•Remote

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL 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. Position Summary We are seeking a highly strategic and influential procurement leader to lead and grow a high-performing Grounds (Landscape & Snow Removal) S&P team for a large client. Work directly with S&P account leadership, Account leadership and client to manage expectations and team deliverables. This includes accountability for effectively managing, mentoring, recruiting, and developing a team of world-class Sourcing and Procurement professionals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional executive presence, possess the confidence to secure a seat at the table with account and client stakeholders, advanced Excel proficiency, and have proven experience independently leading complex RFx processes from cradle to grave, navigating passionate stakeholders, presenting to leadership audiences, and driving long-term value across a the Grounds portfolio.

Requirements

6+ years of strategic sourcing experience for services or indirect categories related to facilities services, with demonstrated experience in Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) procurement
Must be consistently available during standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST) with reliable access to desk, computer, phone, email, and video conferencing systems (Zoom / Microsoft Teams) to respond to time-sensitive client requests, attend virtual meetings, and support operational needs; role requires real-time responsiveness and ability to participate in video calls to support client service delivery expectations. Current team members are across all US time zones.
Proven people management experience
Proven experience independently leading end-to-end RFx processes in complex environments with demonstrated ability to operate autonomously
Strong stakeholder management skills in complex environments
Executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders
Strategic mindset with comfort operating in ambiguity
Demonstrated bias for action — ability to move quickly, make sound decisions, and implement solutions proactively
Demonstrated success managing high-visibility service categories (preferably IFM or facilities-related services)
Experience in contract negotiation and commercial strategy
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; strong analytical ability
Excellent communication skills — oral and written
Excellent PC skills, proficient in MS Office applications — Excel, Word & PowerPoint
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from a four-year college or university
Willingness to travel within the U.S. (approximately 30%)
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced credentials, a plus
Experience building or maturing procurement programs

Responsibilities

Own and execute the long-term sourcing strategy for a complex, Grounds IFM category
Drive performance, cost optimization, risk mitigation, governance, and innovation across the Grounds portfolio
Transition discussions from tactical procurement to strategic value creation
Provide strategic vision for Landscape and Snow Removal, including best practices and innovation
Serve as a subject matter expert in support of JLL sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and program management
Perform periodic market trend analysis, analyzing supplier base and industry changes, and report analysis to Supply Chain and business stakeholders in a client-ready form
Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders who require procurement expertise and structure
Confidently navigate initial resistance or ambiguity and establish procurement as a required strategic partner
Provide commercial guidance on Landscape and Snow Removal scope development, risk mitigation, contract structure, and supplier strategy
Translate complex procurement processes into clear, actionable guidance while balancing transparency with confidentiality
Foster strong partnerships while appropriately influencing decisions with sound professional judgment
Independently lead large-scale RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for Landscape and Snow Removal services from initiation through contract award and transition, without step-by-step supervision
Develop sourcing strategy, scope definition, and commercial models with autonomy
Create evaluation frameworks, lead cross-functional scoring, and manage stakeholder alignment
Facilitate supplier communications, negotiations, clarifications, and final selection
Ensure documentation, compliance, and governance throughout the process
Drive award recommendations and transition planning decisively
Partner closely with operations teams by providing management, detailed instruction, and follow-up to support standardized RFP/bid and contracting processes
Anticipate challenges and proactively implement solutions before issues escalate
Identify risks and opportunities to clients/stakeholders and recommend strategies to achieve company goals while mitigating risk
Own sourcing compliance and controls specific to Landscape and Snow Removal, including Contract and COI compliance, RFx/Process Improvements, and adherence to the S&P Playbook
Ensure all sourcing technology tools are leveraged
Lead negotiation of master service agreements and performance-based contracts independently
Ensure alignment with risk management, compliance, and governance standards
Structure agreements that support accountability and measurable outcomes
Ensure compliance to JLL's sourcing and contracting policies, procedures, risk management programs, and ethics
Establish relationships with Corporate Legal and Risk Management to ensure all contractual terms and conditions comply with standards and are formally reviewed and approved
Move agreements forward efficiently while maintaining proper governance
Support and guide the Sourcing Specialist team's supplier relationship and performance programs with key suppliers, including collaboration with operations teams to develop scorecards through surveys and CMMS metrics
Participate in and provide leadership to Preferred Supplier performance review meetings, sharing results via the QBR process and delivering quarterly reports to Operations Teams and the Client
Continually assess suppliers through the established supplier performance management program
Mentor and educate suppliers through meetings; identify and resolve supplier performance issues proactively
Lead a team of sourcing professionals to strategic outcomes with minimal oversight
Recruit, develop, rotate, and retain top S&P talent; support career development of key roles through mentoring and visible leadership
Manage and coach team members on their performance, progress, and developmental goals, analyzing strengths and areas of opportunity for growth into actionable career development plans
Foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture within and outside of direct reports
Establish work priorities, assign deliverables, and resolve issues with operations teams, temporary help, and/or project-specific dedicated personnel to assure client satisfaction
Model strategic thinking, leadership maturity, self-direction, and bias for action; empower team members to operate independently while ensuring accountability
Present sourcing strategies, award recommendations, and performance results to senior leadership with confidence
Lead and participate in client meetings and strategy sessions related to Landscape and Snow Removal services; establish and maintain relationships with the Account Operations leadership and client leadership, as required
Communicate confidently in high-visibility meetings and respond thoughtfully to live questions and evolving project dynamics
Communicate complex decisions in a clear, structured, and persuasive manner
Represent procurement in governance and executive forums
Deliver market, supplier, and operational intelligence on services operations
Proactively escalate issues when appropriate while bringing forward recommended solutions