Operations Director

JLL • Columbus, OH

5d • $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. The successful candidate will combine facilities management expertise with people leadership and technical acumen, and work in secure or classified environments typical of defense-sector accounts.

The Operations Director leads and mentors cross-functional teams, manages facilities operations and technical validation, and ensures compliance with client, security, safety, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The position is remote, with a preference for candidates based in Columbus, Ohio, or Southern California, and reports to the Account Director. The role does not provide visa sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of progressive facilities management experience.
• Experience hiring for technical roles, including MEP, HVAC, and specialized maintenance roles.
• 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 and 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.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered instead.
• Prior experience supporting government, defense, or other secure or regulated environments.
• Facilities-related certifications such as CFM, FMP, or PMP.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and IWMS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment strategy and execution for specialized facilities and technical roles as the account’s technical hiring director.
• Build, lead, and mentor cross-functional operations teams, aligning staffing levels and skills with client requirements and contractual obligations.
• Lead change management initiatives across account processes and support smooth organizational, operational, and procedural transitions.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
• Oversee onboarding for employees and subcontractors, ensuring client-specific security, access, and training requirements are completed before on-site deployment.
• Support Joint Certification Program (JCAP) functions as applicable, coordinating with client security and compliance teams and maintaining certification standards and documentation integrity.
• Lead account safety initiatives, foster a strong safety culture, and ensure compliance with 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 applicable 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.
• Act 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, from hiring through offboarding.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
• Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package focused on mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed