Senior Project Manager, Team Lead (AMER)

JLL•Armonk, NY

1d•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. Position Overview We are seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Projects to lead strategic client relationships while building organizational capability through both direct project execution and team development. This high-impact role combines three critical dimensions: serving as the primary executive interface for key client accounts, delivering complex projects as a hands-on practitioner across multiple markets, and leading a team of Project Managers through coaching, mentorship, and strategic guidance. This is not a traditional oversight position. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable directing a $50M+ client project, coaching a Project Manager through a critical challenge, and partnering with our variable staffing team to architect the right solution for tomorrow's opportunity. You'll operate as the bridge between execution excellence and organizational capability building, demonstrating leadership through both strategic direction and hands-on excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business, or related field
12+ years of progressive project management experience with demonstrated success delivering complex commercial real estate projects
Proven track record managing projects with budgets exceeding $25M across multiple markets and geographic regions
Significant experience in client-facing roles with C-suite and senior executive stakeholders
Demonstrated success leading, developing, and mentoring project management teams (direct or matrix reporting structures)
Expert knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid approaches) with ability to adapt frameworks to diverse project requirements
Strong financial acumen including budget development, forecasting, cash flow management, change order analysis, and financial reporting
Proficiency with industry-leading project management software (MS Project, Procore, Primavera, or similar) and emerging technologies
Deep understanding of construction delivery methods, building systems, design processes, and regulatory requirements
Ability to assess talent capabilities, match resources to complex project needs, and architect staffing solutions
Executive Presence & Client Focus: Builds trusted relationships with C-suite stakeholders and consistently delivers exceptional client experiences
Strategic Leadership: Connects organizational priorities to execution while inspiring teams to achieve ambitious goals
Hands-On Excellence: Operates as a working practitioner who can deliver the work at the highest level while developing others
Communication & Influence: Articulates complex information clearly to diverse audiences and negotiates effectively across all organizational levels
Coaching & Development: Demonstrates genuine commitment to developing others through active mentorship and knowledge transfer
Problem-Solving Innovation: Approaches challenges with creativity and develops client-centered solutions that drive value
Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Works effectively with multicultural, geographically dispersed teams in matrix environments
Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in dynamic environments with competing priorities and ambiguous situations
Ability and willingness to travel regularly (10-20%) to client sites and regional markets across the Americas
Strong stakeholder management capabilities across all organizational levels, functional areas, and external partners
Proven ability to operate independently with minimal oversight while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, MS in Project Management, Construction Management, or related field)
Professional certifications: PMP, CCM, LEED AP, Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent
Experience working in matrix organizations with variable or flexible staffing models
Track record managing portfolios exceeding $100M in total project value
Demonstrated thought leadership through conference presentations, publications, or industry involvement
Experience with digital transformation initiatives, BIM/VDC technologies, or advanced project analytics

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary executive point of contact for assigned strategic clients across the Americas, building and maintaining relationships at C-suite and senior leadership levels
Translate complex business priorities, organizational objectives, and operational constraints into actionable project strategies and delivery roadmaps
Lead strategic planning sessions, executive presentations, and quarterly business reviews that demonstrate value delivery and identify expansion opportunities
Proactively anticipate client needs, identify service expansion opportunities, and position PDS capabilities to drive client success
Manage multi-stakeholder expectations across geographically dispersed teams, ensuring transparent communication of project status, risks, and escalations
Champion client satisfaction through consistent delivery excellence and strategic problem-solving
Lead and deliver the organization's most complex, high-stakes projects across the US, Canada, and Latin America, serving as Project Director on strategic engagements with budgets exceeding $25M
Execute hands-on project management requiring senior-level expertise in scope definition, risk management, financial oversight, and stakeholder coordination
Develop comprehensive project plans encompassing scope, schedule, budget, quality standards, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies
Coordinate cross-functional teams locally and globally, including internal resources, external vendors, design professionals, and construction partners
Monitor project performance using advanced tools and methodologies, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards while proactively identifying and mitigating risks
Drive innovative approaches to project challenges, demonstrating thought leadership in methodology, technology adoption, and delivery optimization
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Managers, providing strategic guidance, technical coaching, and professional development support
Partner closely with variable staffing teams to assess project management talent capabilities, match resources to project requirements, and develop solutions for diverse project needs
Provide real-time coaching on live projects, modeling excellence in execution while fostering team growth through demonstration, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving
Translate client priorities and strategic initiatives into clear assignments, success criteria, and development opportunities for team members
Review project plans, methodologies, and deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with JLL standards and client expectations
Conduct regular performance discussions, identify skill gaps, and create development plans that build individual and team capability
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and high performance across all engagements
Collaborate with internal staffing teams on project scoping, resource planning, talent assessment, and delivery approach optimization across the portfolio
Implement and refine project management strategies, methodologies, and tools that enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality standards
Champion best practices and drive continuous improvement in delivery methodologies, leveraging lessons learned and industry innovations
Ensure adherence to JLL PDS standards while adapting approaches to meet diverse client needs and project contexts
Contribute to business development activities including proposals, client pitches, capability presentations, and pursuit strategy
Support workload balancing and resource allocation decisions across the team and broader organization