Global Center of Excellence Lead

JLL•Atlanta, GA

5d•$120,000 - $140,000•Remote

About The Position

The Global Center of Excellence (CoE) Lead is responsible for driving operational excellence, innovation, and consistency across all service lines for a global technology client. This role ensures the seamless integration and optimization of IFM, Project Management, Transaction Management, Lease Administration, Occupancy Planning, and Finance Management, leveraging best practices, technology, and subject matter expertise to deliver superior client outcomes. The CoE Lead provides strategic oversight of technology, performance, and innovation initiatives, coordinates global sourcing and vendor management, and leads cross-functional programs and change management to ensure high-quality, scalable, and compliant service delivery across all regions. The CoE Lead acts as a strategic advisor to the client and internal stakeholders and reports directly to the Global Account Director.

Requirements

Minimum 15 years of experience in corporate real estate, with proven expertise across IFM, Project Management, Transaction Management, Lease Administration, Occupancy Planning, and Finance Management in a global, multi-site environment.
Demonstrated leadership in managing Centers of Excellence or similar platforms, with a track record of driving organizational transformation, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Strong knowledge of governance models, quality management systems (e.g., ISO standards), and compliance frameworks, along with change management methodologies and process optimization relevant to real estate and facilities operations.
Demonstrated experience in health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) management within corporate real estate or facilities operations, including working knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards, HSSE governance frameworks, and risk/compliance management in a global, multi-site environment.
Experience implementing and optimizing technology platforms for real estate management, including IWMS, analytics, and reporting tools.
Experience in global sourcing and vendor management, including contractor pre-qualification, compliance, and performance review using external platforms (e.g., Avetta, ISNetworld, Sedex).
Proven ability to influence senior executives, manage complex stakeholder ecosystems, and deliver strategic recommendations in a client-facing role.
Advanced skills in data analysis, cross-functional program coordination, performance management, and KPI development.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse teams and geographies.
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, real estate, or a related field required.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

MBA or relevant master's degree preferred.
Certifications such as PMP, Six Sigma, or equivalent Lean strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Global CoE platform, providing direction and oversight to service line leaders and subject matter experts across IFM, Project Management, Transaction Management, Lease Administration, Occupancy Planning, and Finance Management, as well as Critical Environments, HSSE, Technology, Compliance, Risk Management, Data, Engineering, and Operations Solutions.
Drive organizational transformation and continuous improvement across all service lines and geographies, championing a culture of innovation, client focus, and operational excellence that positions JLL as a trusted partner and industry leader.
Provide strategic oversight for technology deployment, performance management, and innovation initiatives, ensuring alignment with client objectives, the JLL Business Management System, and the OneJLL integrated delivery model.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve standardized operating procedures, governance frameworks, and quality assurance programs to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-quality service delivery.
Oversee integration of technology platforms (e.g., IWMS, analytics dashboards, incident management systems) to enable data-driven decision-making, real-time reporting, and operational efficiency.
Sponsor and review performance metrics, KPIs, and SLAs, ensuring alignment with client objectives and driving accountability for results.
Coordinate global sourcing and vendor management, leveraging centralized analyst teams and external platforms (e.g., Avetta, ISNetworld, Sedex) for contractor pre-qualification, compliance, and performance review.
Manage cross-functional program coordination, including comprehensive change management initiatives, to ensure seamless integration of IFM, Project, Transaction, Lease Admin, Occupancy, and Finance functions.
Directly manage a team of 9.5 direct reports across Innovation & Change, Performance, HSSE, Engineering, and Sourcing, providing leadership, coaching, and talent development.
Act as the primary escalation point for complex operational issues, risk management, and compliance matters, coordinating with regional leads and service line directors.
Represent the CoE in executive reviews, governance routines, and business meetings, providing strategic recommendations and insights to support client goals.
Support talent development, training, and succession planning for CoE team members, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals and subject matter experts.
Ensure compliance with JLL's HSSE Management System, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards, and client-specific requirements.
Foster cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across regions and centralized support functions (knowledge management, administration, document review), driving adoption of best practices globally.
Provides direct oversight of the HSSE function, ensuring compliance with JLL's HSSE Management System, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and client-specific requirements. Embeds HSSE governance into CoE and account operating procedures and quality assurance programs. Sponsors HSSE performance metrics and KPIs alongside other service line indicators. Acts as an escalation point for HSSE risk and compliance matters, coordinating with regional leads. Supports talent development within the HSSE team and champions a safety-focused culture across the global account.