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: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Remote role with excellent career growth and a collaborative culture.
- 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 and strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 61009 - 74567 £ 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: Jones Lang Lasalle
At JLL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored career development opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts in the heart of Birmingham and London. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the real estate sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pre Construction in London
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Jones Lang Lasalle who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre Construction in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Jones Lang Lasalle!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Jones Lang Lasalle. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Lang Lasalle
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Jones Lang Lasalle.
