Vice President, Vertical Transportation

JLL•Madison, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

You will join JLL's Project and Development Services (PDS) practice, a global leader in delivering complex capital programs for institutional clients across commercial real estate. Our Vertical Transportation practice sits at the intersection of operational excellence, technical innovation, and strategic asset optimization, partnering with owners and occupiers of trophy-class properties to modernize critical building systems that impact tenant experience, operational efficiency, and asset value. We believe the most effective teams are built when everyone is empowered to thrive. Our culture champions collaboration, inclusivity, and belonging while promoting a diverse workforce. We're trusted with some of the industry's most sophisticated vertical transportation programs—multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiatives requiring technical depth, stakeholder diplomacy, and strategic foresight that shape how clients approach capital deployment, risk mitigation, and technology adoption. This is a strategic leadership role for a seasoned professional ready to define and drive the future of JLL's vertical transportation business. As Vice President, you will advise C-suite executives and institutional investors on capital planning, system lifecycle strategy, and modernization roadmaps for complex, high-stakes portfolios while driving business development and establishing best-in-class delivery methodologies. This role demands deep technical fluency in vertical transportation systems, proven success leading transformational capital programs, and the strategic acumen to build and scale a practice that generates measurable value. Your impact will span from shaping go-to-market strategies to influencing how entire organizations approach vertical transportation as a strategic asset class.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred).
Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED AP, CCM, or QEI strongly preferred.
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.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree (MBA, Construction Management, Engineering) or additional certifications (LEED, Six Sigma, CCM, QEI).
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

Strategic Vision & Business Development 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.
Client Leadership & Relationship Management 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.
Project & Program Excellence 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.
Leadership & Collaboration May include managing 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.
Innovation & Thought Leadership 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).
Strategic Problem Solving Anticipate and resolve ambiguous, high-impact challenges—regulatory complexities, schedule conflicts, stakeholder misalignment—with strategic foresight and innovative solutions.