At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design management activities and establish excellence standards across JLL's project portfolio.
- Company: Join JLL, a global leader in real estate and investment management.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic remote role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design in real estate and make a meaningful impact.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in design management with strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Position Overview
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.
Reporting Structure
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!
Head of Pre Construction in London employer: JLL
At JLL, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the dynamic field of workplace management. Our inclusive work culture encourages professional growth through diverse projects and networking opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to impactful initiatives. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits but also the chance to be part of transformative projects with leading businesses worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pre Construction in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like JLL, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Pre Construction at JLL.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre Construction in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at JLL
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
