Regional IFM Lead

JLL•Kansas City, MO

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

JLL is seeking a Regional IFM Lead to join their Technology Division on a global client account. This role will focus on a portfolio of creative campuses for the world's largest advertising and communications holding company, specifically their western North America offices. The position is hybrid, with a flexible location ideally in Kansas City, Chicago, or Detroit. The role involves driving operational excellence, legislative compliance, and innovation within an integrated, experience-led model. The Regional IFM Lead will act as a senior subject matter expert and operational advisor, guiding site-based teams, solving complex challenges, and ensuring the application of Industry Best Practice to deliver exceptional customer experience. This role requires strong change management and stakeholder navigation skills in a complex organizational environment with competing priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
8+ years of progressive experience in integrated facilities management or corporate real estate, with demonstrated expertise in managing a multi-site portfolio.
Advanced knowledge of IFM principles, including hard and soft services, vendor management, and operational best practices in a complex, client-focused environment.
Proven ability to utilize analytical and problem-solving techniques to understand and resolve complex operational issues with creative solutions.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget oversight, financial analysis, and developing cost-control strategies within a contractual framework.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, provide guidance to colleagues, and build strong partnerships.
Ability to work independently and manage a wide range of complex activities with minimal supervision, exercising independent judgment to achieve results.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

10+ years of comprehensive IFM experience, ideally within a global account model for a creative or technology-focused client.
Direct experience working with Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or similar at-risk commercial structures.
Experience operating as a regional leader within a global account structure, balancing global standards with regional/local customization needs.
Experience leading large-scale projects or programs, such as new service model implementations or technology rollouts.
High proficiency with CMMS platforms (e.g., Corrigo) and BI/analytics tools.
Industry certifications such as CFM, FMP, or PMP, as well as relevant EHS certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, or CSP).
Demonstrated experience in a role requiring significant mentoring and providing expert guidance to operational teams without direct supervisory authority.

Responsibilities

Act as the senior operational subject matter expert for a portfolio of site-based campus Facilities Managers, providing in-depth technical guidance and mentorship to drive the consistent implementation of the global Operating Model.
Lead the validation and ongoing management of the NORAM financial budget baseline, ensuring accuracy and completeness as the foundation for GMP and savings commitments.
Partner with site leaders to develop budgets, identify cost-optimization opportunities contributing to the annual budget reduction target and ensure adherence to the GMP commercial model.
Proactively manage baseline adjustments through the formal Change Control Notice (CCN) process, providing transparent cost impact analysis and recommendations.
Offer technical expertise and guidance to site teams on Building Management Systems (BMS), PPM schedules, and asset management, ensuring Industry Best Practices are understood and implemented.
Manage the phased transition of services from Managing Agent (WPP holds contracts) to Principal (JLL holds contracts) model across NORAM sites, ensuring seamless handoffs.
Provide expert guidance on EHS standards and legislative compliance, supporting internal and external audits to ensure portfolio-wide adherence and a safe working environment.
Independently plan and lead complex regional initiatives, troubleshooting and resolving a wide range of operational issues to ensure the seamless delivery of integrated facilities management services.
Champion the use of JLL’s technology stack, leveraging platforms like Corrigo and Azara AI to analyze complex data, identify key performance trends, and recommend innovations to enhance service efficiency.
Cultivating a positive team culture, directing, and advancing robust cross-functional teams while establishing a strategic talent pipeline for future Facility Manager and Senior Facility Manager positions.
Collaborate with a broad group of stakeholders, including regional Workplace Experience and Engineering leads, to ensure a fully integrated service delivery and a superior campus environment for the WPP client.
Navigate organizational tensions between regional client leadership, on-site WPP employee service demands, and cost reduction imperatives - serving as a bridge-builder who maintains operational momentum despite structural friction.
Partner with the WPP regional client leadership to establish and execute transparent change control processes for baseline budget adjustments, staffing changes, and scope modifications.