Head of M&A Strategy & Operations

JLL•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

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. About JLL We’re JLL—a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We shape the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities. As a Fortune 200 company, we help real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. We have operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of over 115,000 individuals. We believe a diverse and inclusive culture is one where everyone succeeds. That’s why we’re committed to creating an environment where we all feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential. The Opportunity Lead JLL's M&A strategy, operations, and execution function as the strategic architect and operational driver of our global M&A, joint venture, and partnership initiatives. As Head of M&A Strategy & Operations, you will set the strategic direction, source deals, and manage the execution of complex transactions that fundamentally shape JLL's market position, service capabilities, and competitive advantage across the commercial real estate landscape. This is a senior leadership role where you'll establish the vision and operational framework for corporate development activities, cultivate a deal pipeline, lead multiple high-stakes negotiations simultaneously, and drive organizational transformation through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. You'll serve as a key advisor to executive leadership and the board, making decisions that impact JLL's long-term growth trajectory while building and optimizing the systems, processes, and capabilities that enable enterprise-wide value creation. Your leadership will directly influence JLL's strategic positioning, market expansion, and ability to deliver transformational outcomes for our clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

MBA from top-tier institution required; advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or related field strongly preferred.
Minimum 12-15 years of progressive leadership experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting with demonstrated track record leading transformational transactions valued at $500M+.
Minimum 5-7 years of investment banking experience at bulge bracket or elite boutique firm, with proven success executing complex M&A advisory mandates, capital raises, or strategic coverage in real estate, financial services, or professional services sectors.
Significant experience in senior corporate development or corporate strategy roles, with direct responsibility for shaping and executing enterprise M&A strategy.
Proven ability to develop and articulate long-term corporate development strategies that drive enterprise value creation and competitive positioning across multiple business lines and geographies.
Deep expertise in all aspects of M&A including buy-side and sell-side execution, hostile and friendly transactions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, carve-outs, and complex deal structuring.
Advanced financial modelling, valuation, and analytical capabilities with ability to evaluate complex scenarios, identify value drivers, and quantify risks across diverse transaction types.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale post-merger integrations, including organizational design, change management, systems integration, and synergy capture initiatives.
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills with proven ability to influence C-suite leaders, board members, and external senior stakeholders on matters of strategic importance.
Strong track record managing and developing high-performing teams, including ability to mobilize cross-functional resources and drive accountability across complex, matrixed organizations.
Strategic relationship builder with extensive network across investment banking, private equity, legal, and real estate communities.
Superior judgment and decision-making capabilities in ambiguous, high-pressure situations with ability to balance competing priorities and manage substantial financial and reputational risk.
Deep understanding of commercial real estate industry dynamics, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and emerging market trends.
Proven ability to identify and evaluate strategic opportunities, assess competitive threats, and make recommendations that shape enterprise-level strategy.
Experience working in global organizations with understanding of cross-border transactions, international markets, and cultural considerations in M&A execution.
Strong commercial instincts with ability to structure creative solutions that address complex business challenges and create win-win outcomes.
This role offers significant authority to shape JLL's corporate development function and drive strategic decisions that impact the entire organization across multiple geographies and business lines, with frequent interaction with executive leadership and responsibility for managing large-scale financial and operational risks.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Direction: Develop and implement the long-term corporate development strategy for JLL, identifying and evaluating market opportunities that align with enterprise objectives and drive competitive differentiation across multiple business lines and geographies. Serve as principal advisor to C-suite executives and board members on all corporate development matters, providing strategic recommendations on major transactions, market entry strategies, and portfolio optimization decisions. Establish the strategic vision and operational priorities for the corporate development function, defining how JLL identifies, evaluates, and executes transactions that create sustainable competitive advantage.
Transaction Leadership & Execution: Oversee the complete lifecycle of multiple concurrent, high-value M&A transactions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy while managing significant financial and reputational risk. Foster a deal pipeline, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and potential targets across the global commercial real estate ecosystem. Lead complex, multi-party negotiations with target companies, partners, and advisors, making critical decisions on deal structure, valuation, terms, and conditions that have substantial long-term implications for the organization. Direct comprehensive due diligence processes across financial, operational, legal, cultural, and strategic dimensions, making go/no-go recommendations to executive leadership on transactions with enterprise-wide impact.
Organizational Design & Process Excellence: Design and implement the operating model, processes, methodologies, and technology infrastructure for corporate development activities, establishing best-in-class standards that drive efficiency, quality, and strategic value. Build and optimize organizational capabilities across the corporate development function, developing talent, establishing governance frameworks, and creating scalable systems that support JLL's growth ambitions. Drive continuous improvement across all corporate development activities, conducting strategic post-mortem analyses and implementing lessons learned to enhance future transaction success rates.
Cross-Functional Integration & Stakeholder Management: Orchestrate alignment and collaboration across multiple business lines, corporate functions, and geographies, mobilizing resources and breaking down silos to ensure seamless transaction execution and integration. Manage relationships with external stakeholders including investment banks, legal advisors, consultants, and transaction counterparties, negotiating complex agreements and resolving sensitive issues that require diplomacy and strategic judgment. Lead large-scale post-merger integration initiatives, driving cultural alignment, operational harmonization, and synergy realization across diverse organizations and business models.
Performance Management & Strategic Insights: Establish key performance metrics and governance frameworks for evaluating transaction success, monitoring portfolio performance, and ensuring accountability for value creation commitments. Provide strategic market intelligence and competitive analysis to executive leadership, identifying emerging trends, threats, and opportunities that inform JLL's long-term strategic planning. Translate complex market dynamics and transaction insights into compelling strategic narratives for board presentations, investor communications, and internal leadership forums.