Staff Program Manager

JLL•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies 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 and JLL Technologies JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our vision is to reimagine the world of real estate, creating rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces where people can achieve their ambitions. In doing so, we will build a better tomorrow for our clients, our people, and our communities. JLL Technologies is a specialized group within JLL. At JLL Technologies, our mission is to bring technology innovation to commercial real estate. We deliver unparalleled digital advisory, implementation, and services solutions to organizations globally. Our goal is to leverage technology to increase the value and liquidity of the world's buildings, while enhancing the productivity and the happiness of those that occupy them. What this job involves About the role The Program Manager, Data Engineering Strategy & Operations partners closely with the Head of Data Engineering as a strategic operator and trusted advisor, dedicated to maximizing the impact and effectiveness of both the Head of Data Engineering and JLL Data Engineering’s broader organization. This role provides essential support across strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, executive communications, and operational oversight—ensuring data teams operate efficiently while staying aligned with broader organizational objectives. This position requires an exceptionally organized and forward-thinking leader who can orchestrate complex, multifaceted initiatives while optimizing communication pathways and cultivating strong collaborative relationships between engineering teams and cross-functional business partners. The Program Manager serves as a vital conduit between technical expertise and strategic business priorities, skillfully translating complex technical insights into clear, actionable business context that supports decision-making. Success in this role depends on the ability to foster collaboration across the Data Team and other Business Units. Strength in connecting ideas and data points is crucial. Discretion, earning and maintaining trust, and championing the best ideas are essential habits to thrive. Candidates who can build consensus, build networks, and operate in thoughtful sequencing will be best equipped to manage the responsibilities and dynamics of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, technical field, or related discipline.
7–10 years of experience in roles such as program management, business operations, management consulting, or leadership positions within a technology or data-focused organization.
Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives from ideation through execution.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize information and create high-impact presentations for executive audiences—translating complex topics into clear, actionable insights.
Demonstrated ability to develop and track metrics, KPIs, and OKRs, along with experience in budget management.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
Experience leading organizational change and transformation initiatives.
Direct experience in a data engineering or analytics environment.
Familiarity with data architecture and modern data technologies (e.g., cloud platforms, data warehousing, BI tools) is a plus to effectively facilitate strategic discussions.
Innovation-minded: A forward-thinker who is passionate about exploring innovative technologies and continuously improving processes and outcomes.
Strategic thinker: Ability to see the big picture and align operational activities with strategic goals.
High emotional intelligence: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Problem-solver: Skilled at analyzing complex problems, structuring ambiguous challenges, and driving solutions.
Leadership through influence: Capable of leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous, and ever-changing environment.
Discretion: Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the highest integrity.

Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Management Partner with the Head of Data Engineering to develop and refine the data strategy, platform strategy, and technical roadmaps. Translate high-level objectives into actionable plans and Key Results (OKRs), and track progress against these goals. Provide analysis and recommendations to guide decision-making, ensuring data platform initiatives align with overall business priorities. Lead annual and quarterly strategic planning processes, including budget management and LBA for the data engineering department.
Operational Excellence & Performance Tracking Organize and facilitate leadership team meetings, weekly staff meetings, and quarterly business reviews—setting agendas, preparing materials, and driving follow-ups for action items. Proactively identify and lead special initiatives for process improvements to streamline engineering operations (e.g., refining the project intake process, establishing a framework for managing technical debt, defining project KPIs). Define and implement a clear governance model for tracking project milestones and engineering Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Ensure compliance with organizational policies and promote best practices in project execution and data governance within the team.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Translate complex data insights and technical concepts into compelling presentations, briefing documents, and reports for leadership and stakeholders. Draft key internal communications such as organizational updates, strategy announcements, and quarterly town hall content to ensure consistent and clear messaging. Serve as a primary liaison and communication bridge between the Head of Data Engineering, their leadership team, and key stakeholders across the company. Represent the Head of Data Engineering in meetings when required—communicating intended outcomes and summarizing key decisions and next steps.
Team & Organizational Development Partner closely with data leaders within the organization to foster a collaborative and high-performing culture. Drive initiatives that promote creativity, forward-thinking, and morale across the data engineering teams.