Head of Pre Construction

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The Head of Design provides strategic leadership and oversight for all design management activities across JLL's project portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing design excellence standards, developing design management capabilities, and ensuring the seamless integration of design with business strategy and project delivery across the organization.

• Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement enterprise-wide design strategy aligned with JLL's business objectives.
• Establish design excellence standards, methodologies, and best practices across all project types.
• Lead innovation initiatives and integration of emerging design technologies and processes.
• Define design quality benchmarks and performance metrics across the portfolio.
• Shape organisational design culture and champion client-centric design solutions.
• Portfolio Oversight
• Provide strategic oversight for design activities across multiple projects and regions.
• Establish design governance frameworks and quality assurance protocols.
• Monitor portfolio-wide design performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure consistency in design standards and delivery approaches across the organisation.
• Lead major client presentations and design milestone approvals for strategic projects.
• Organisational Development
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design management organisation.
• Develop talent pipelines and succession planning for design leadership roles.
• Establish training programs and professional development initiatives.
• Foster collaborative culture across design, construction, and client-facing teams.
• Set performance objectives and conduct strategic team reviews.
• Process and Systems Innovation
• Drive implementation of advanced design management systems and digital tools.
• Lead adoption of BIM, digital twin, and other innovative design technologies.
• Establish standardised workflows for design coordination and documentation.
• Champion sustainable design practices and performance-based design approaches.
• Develop knowledge management systems for design lessons learned and best practices.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as senior design advisor to key clients and executive stakeholders.
• Participate in business development and strategic account planning.
• Represent JLL's design capabilities in industry forums and thought leadership initiatives.
• Build relationships and establish framework agreements with architecture and engineering partner firms.
• Lead resolution of complex design-related issues and client concerns.
• Regulatory and Industry Engagement
• Maintain awareness of evolving codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Engage with regulatory bodies and industry organisations on design matters.
• Advocate for design excellence within the commercial real estate industry.
• Monitor market trends and emerging requirements affecting design delivery.
• Project Delivery Excellence
• Ensure effective integration between design development and construction execution phases.
• Oversee design coordination for complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Review and approve design approaches for risk, compliance, and constructability.
• Guide resolution of design conflicts and technical challenges across the portfolio.
• Champion integrated project delivery and collaborative delivery methods.
• Establish in-house capability for self-delivery of design and technical support.
• Quality and Compliance Oversight
• Establish quality control frameworks for design deliverables and documentation.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions and project types.
• Monitor design-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance programs.
• Lead design audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related design discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional licensure (PE, RA, or equivalent) required.
• 15+ years progressive experience in design management or construction sector with at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Proven track record leading design organisations or large design teams.
• Extensive experience across diverse project types, delivery methods, and geographic markets.
• Deep knowledge of building systems, construction methodologies, and project delivery frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organisational development, and change management.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Executive-level communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities.
• Advanced understanding of design technology, BIM, and digital delivery platforms.
• Expertise in multiple project delivery methods including design-build, IPD, and P3.
• Deep knowledge of sustainability frameworks (LEED, BREEAM, WELL) and ESG principles.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of design's business impact.
• Change management and organizational transformation experience.

Success Metrics

• Design quality, client satisfaction, and portfolio performance outcomes.
• Successful development and retention of design talent and leadership bench.
• Innovation adoption and digital transformation progress.
• Client engagement scores and repeat business from strategic accounts.
• Portfolio-wide adherence to design standards and compliance requirements.
• Contribution to business growth through design excellence and thought leadership.
• Industry recognition and JLL's reputation as a design management leader.

This executive role reports to senior leadership within JLL Project Services and collaborates closely with regional and functional leaders across the organisation. Location: Remote - London, GBR.

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!