At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research initiatives and provide insights to shape real estate strategies for clients.
- Company: Join JLL, a global leader in real estate and investment management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving real estate landscape with innovative research.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate real estate or related fields, strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
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.
Role Purpose: JLL’s Real Estate Management Services (REMS) business is looking to recruit a senior research leader and trusted advisor for the REMS platform across EMEA. The role will work with corporate occupier and investor clients on the real estate and workplace questions that matter most to their businesses, drawing on the full intelligence of the JLL Research platform to do so. This is a strategically commercial role that will suit a high achiever with a passion for the real estate services industry and a talent for turning research and insights into competitive advantage.
Key Accountabilities:
- Serve as the primary research and insight partner for the REMS service lines — engaging clients, supporting business development, and bringing the most relevant and timely intelligence to bear on the questions that drive decisions.
- Leverage data and intelligence from across Research, REMS proprietary programs, and external sources to deliver insights that are differentiated, commercially grounded, and directly actionable for corporate occupier and investor clients.
- Lead client-facing research presentations and advisory conversations, translating complex market dynamics into clear narratives that support pitch, retention, and strategic account engagement across all REMS service lines.
- Partner with REMS service line leads, business development colleagues, and Marketing to embed research insights into go-to-market strategy, client proposals, and content programs that strengthen JLL’s brand in the REMS market.
- Represent the EMEA REMS platform in global Research forums, contributing regional perspective to global programs and ensuring that global intelligence is applied effectively in client work.
- Identify emerging topics and white space where focused research can better define how the REMS market is evolving — including shifting occupier expectations, investor priorities, and future service requirements — and contribute to a forward-looking research agenda.
- Harness industry events, media opportunities, and global insight programs — including the Future of Work Survey, Pulse Survey, and State of FM — to position JLL as a thought leader in real estate services.
- Identify and apply AI-enabled tools across the research and client engagement workflow to drive improvements in quality, speed, and scale, helping shape these capabilities within the REMS Research platform.
Desired Skills and Experience:
- A deep and demonstrable understanding of the corporate real estate services industry, including facilities management, property management, workplace strategy, and lease and portfolio administration, or transferable experience from an adjacent sector, with the ability to act as a credible subject matter expert.
- A bias towards commercial impact, with a strong track record of using research and intelligence to support client engagement, business development, or strategic positioning.
- Strong analytical mindset, including comfort with proprietary data programs, survey research, market intelligence synthesis, and competitive positioning.
- An effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with senior clients and stakeholders — including institutional investors and asset owners — and to translate complex findings into clear, action-oriented narratives.
- Advanced interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a global, matrixed organisation spanning Research, Marketing, and multiple business lines.
- A global mindset with genuine curiosity about regional market differences and the ability to represent an EMEA perspective in global research forums.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled research and productivity tools, with an appetite for experimentation and an understanding of how generative AI is reshaping research workflows and client engagement.
Location: On-site – 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!
Director, Research in London employer: JLL
At JLL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our EMEA Small Works Program Lead role not only provides opportunities for professional growth through diverse project exposure but also ensures a supportive environment where governance and risk management are prioritised. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful contributions, JLL stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Research in London
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like JLL.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like JLL? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit JLL's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Research in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Director, Research role at JLL, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at JLL
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where JLL operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to JLL. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at JLL.
