Vice President, Vertical Transportation

JLL•Madison, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

JLL is seeking a Vice President for its Vertical Transportation practice within the Project and Development Services (PDS) group. This role is a strategic leadership position focused on advising C-suite executives and institutional investors on capital planning, system lifecycle strategy, and modernization roadmaps for complex portfolios. The practice operates at the intersection of operational excellence, technical innovation, and strategic asset optimization, modernizing critical building systems to enhance tenant experience, operational efficiency, and asset value. JLL emphasizes a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and belonging, aiming to empower employees to thrive and grow meaningful careers. The Vertical Transportation practice handles sophisticated, multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiatives requiring technical depth, stakeholder diplomacy, and strategic foresight.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
10-15+ years of progressive experience in vertical transportation or capital projects, with demonstrated expertise leading large-scale elevator and escalator modernization programs within commercial real estate.
Deep technical knowledge of vertical transportation systems, including control systems, drive technologies, positioning systems, destination dispatch platforms, and cybersecurity considerations.
Comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks (DOB testing, CAT 5 load tests, permits, inspections) and compliance requirements in complex urban environments.
Track record of building or scaling a specialized practice and driving business development with proven revenue growth.
Understanding of asset lifecycle strategies and vertical transportation's impact on property value.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar project budgets.
Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Skilled communicator and negotiator capable of aligning diverse parties around shared objectives in high-pressure situations.
Proficient in project management methodologies and tools, with demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, Construction Management, Engineering) or additional certifications (LEED, Six Sigma, CCM, QEI).
Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, CCM, or QEI strongly preferred.
Proficiency with project management software (Procore, BIM 360) and familiarity with major elevator manufacturers' platforms (Otis, Schindler, KONE, ThyssenKrupp).
Background in smart building technologies, IoT integration, or building management systems.
Ability to travel as needed for client engagements and business development.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the long-term strategic vision for JLL's vertical transportation practice, identifying emerging market opportunities and competitive positioning strategies.
Lead business development initiatives, develop client pursuit strategies, and secure new business opportunities across all PDS service offerings.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive-level clients, translating complex technical and operational challenges into strategic capital planning frameworks and value creation opportunities.
Collaborate with stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with clients' goals while building long-term relationships.
Provide executive oversight for complex, high-profile vertical transportation programs, ensuring delivery excellence and stakeholder alignment.
Establish governance structures, performance metrics, and quality assurance protocols for multi-year modernization programs involving diverse system types and advanced technologies.
Manage project managers and technical specialists, providing mentorship and guidance to foster professional growth.
Champion collaboration by actively engaging with cross-functional teams, both locally and globally, to optimize project outcomes.
Foster a climate of inclusivity and belonging, supporting team wellbeing and promoting a diverse workforce.
Build and scale the vertical transportation practice by establishing best-in-class delivery methodologies and technical standards.
Develop thought leadership content that positions JLL as the industry authority on vertical transportation modernization.
Identify and champion innovation in vertical transportation technologies (predictive maintenance, IoT monitoring, destination dispatch, cybersecurity).
Anticipate and resolve ambiguous, high-impact challenges—regulatory complexities, schedule conflicts, stakeholder misalignment—with strategic foresight and innovative solutions.