Team Lead – Senior Manager, Critical MEP Projects

JLL•Jersey City, NJ

14d•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. Essential Functions The Team Lead – Critical MEP Projects, is responsible for the direct oversight, delivery, and organizational management of a portfolio of mission-critical infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. Reporting to the Director of IFM Project Management, this role operates as a Player/Coach—personally driving results on major projects while developing, mentoring, and managing a cohesive team of project managers. The position leverages best-in-class project management skills, deep technical acumen in critical systems, and outstanding leadership to deliver superior outcomes for JLL and its clients while upholding our standards of excellence, inclusivity, and service

Requirements

Deep expertise in MEP systems: including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, emergency power/UPS, cooling, and fire protection.
Ability to manage large, complex infrastructure projects (budgeting, scheduling, procurement, contracts, delivery).
Integration of new automation/control systems with critical existing infrastructure.
Proficiency with project delivery and client-facing technologies, including MS Office and MS Project.
Ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams.
Experience in coaching, talent development, and conflict resolution.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with senior executives, clients, engineers, and cross-functional contributors.
Forward-thinking approach; initiative to drive innovation, process improvement, and results orientation.
Highly organized with advanced analytical and data interpretation skills.
Strong financial acumen for budget development, tracking, and reporting.
Deep understanding of mission-critical facility uptime standards.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required.
Minimum 10-15 years project management experience; at least 5 years overseeing MEP-heavy and/or mission-critical projects, with prior direct people management experience.
Demonstrated experience supervising/mentoring multiple project managers and managing all project phases (inception to closeout).
Experience working with institutional, corporate, and mission-critical facility clients.
Track record of excellence in client relationship management and delivery of complex projects.
Strong understanding of JLL’s standards of service, business ethics, and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and wellness.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or similar relevant certification.
Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) in engineering or management.
Project management and safety certifications (e.g., PMP, OSHA).
Experience leading national teams and leveraging cross-discipline teams.

Responsibilities

Lead and deliver complex, multi-sector MEP and critical infrastructure projects from inception through closeout, ensuring project goals, timelines, and budgets are met. Activities span preconstruction (design, entitlements, bidding, permitting) through execution (schedule, commissioning, closeout).
Serve as the primary senior-level contact for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams throughout the project lifecycle. Guide all parties through design, implementation, and sign-off phases.
Develop and maintain detailed project budgets and master schedules, based on market data and client-specific needs.
Oversee due diligence, documentation, contract/vendor selection, and performance management to ensure compliance with all JLL, client, and regulatory standards.
Interface extensively with engineers, architects, property managers, vendors, and client leadership to integrate new MEP systems into existing building infrastructure.
Actively identify, manage, and escalate risk areas (e.g., liability, reputation, compliance) to senior management and ensure contractual requirements are met.
Attend and lead project meetings (internal, client, vendor). Review drawings, resolve design and technical issues, and oversee field activities.
Manage project schedules, budget tracking, change orders, and approvals. Address immediate project risks or escalations. Communicate progress, issues, and solutions to clients and management.
Manage, develop, and mentor a team of project managers, fostering growth, inclusivity, and high performance. Delegate assignments, monitor progress, and provide regular performance feedback.
Set clear team objectives aligned with the business unit’s and client’s vision. Translate strategy into actionable team and individual goals.
Drive a collaborative, energized, and accountable team culture, reinforcing JLL values of excellence, integrity, and client service.
Lead talent management tasks, including training, evaluation, and development, making recommendations on hiring or advancement in collaboration with Human Resources and upper management.
Model and reinforce best practices, contributing to continuous process and standard development within the team and broader JLL organization.
Conduct team check-ins to align objectives and remove barriers. Mentor project managers through regular 1-on-1s and group sessions.
Review and approve deliverables prepared by team members. Foster a collaborative and learning-focused team environment.
Evaluate team workload allocation, performance, and development needs.
Cultivate business relationships with new and existing clients, serving as a relationship manager for strategic key accounts.
Identify and pursue business development opportunities to support revenue growth.
Leverage the JLL platform across business lines to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.