Operations Director

JLL•Columbus, OH

7d•$120,000 - $155,000•Remote

About The Position

JLL is seeking an experienced Operations Director to support a large defense technology client within its Public Institutions division. The role leads technical hiring, change management, safety compliance, and operational excellence across the account. It requires facilities management expertise, people leadership, technical capability, and comfort working in secure or classified environments. The Operations Director oversees facilities operations, construction, and maintenance activities, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, regulations, client requirements, and contractual obligations. The role manages budgets, vendors, capital planning, and performance reporting; supports service delivery against KPIs and SLAs; and coordinates with the Account Director, client stakeholders, and security and compliance teams. The position is remote, with a preference for a candidate based in Columbus, Ohio, or Southern California.

Requirements

10 or more years of progressive facilities management experience.
Experience hiring for technical roles, including MEP, HVAC, and specialized maintenance positions.
Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex operations in a large-account or enterprise environment.
Strong technical aptitude and proficiency with facilities management systems such as CMMS and CAFM, Microsoft Office Suite, and data reporting or analytics tools.
Working knowledge of applicable building codes, including IBC and NFPA life safety codes, and OSHA regulations.
Active security clearance or eligibility for a security clearance.
Ability to lead through change, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with client stakeholders and internal teams.
Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience in lieu of a degree.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supporting government, defense, or other secure or regulated environments.
Facilities-related certification such as CFM, FMP, or PMP.
Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and IWMS platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead recruitment strategy and hiring for specialized facilities and technical roles, including MEP, HVAC, and maintenance positions.
Build, lead, and mentor cross-functional operations teams, aligning staffing and skills with client requirements and contractual obligations.
Lead change management initiatives and maintain standard operating procedures to support consistent operations and continuous improvement.
Oversee onboarding of employees and subcontractors, ensuring required security, access, and training requirements are met before site deployment.
Support Joint Certification Program (JCAP) functions as applicable, coordinating with client security and compliance teams and maintaining certification documentation.
Lead account-wide safety initiatives and ensure adherence to OSHA, client-specific, and site-specific safety protocols.
Conduct and oversee technical validations of facility systems, infrastructure, and operational processes.
Ensure facilities operations, construction, and maintenance comply with building codes, life safety codes, and federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain readiness for client, regulatory, and JLL quality assurance inspections and audits.
Manage day-to-day facilities operations, including budgeting, vendor management, capital planning, and performance reporting.
Serve as a key escalation point for operational issues and work with the Account Director and client stakeholders to meet contractual KPIs and SLAs.
Maintain awareness of and compliance with facility security protocols, controlled access procedures, and applicable clearance requirements throughout the employee lifecycle.