Director, Projects - Player-Coach & Strategic Solutions Leader

What this job involves

As Director of Projects, you will serve as both a strategic Project Director and hands-on player-coach, delivering exceptional project outcomes while building organizational capability. This dual-focused role combines direct client project leadership on projects across the Americas with internal partnership across our variable staffing team to assess talent, solution project work, and deliver executive-level projects. You'll be instrumental in both doing the work and developing how we work.

What your day-to-day will look like:

Direct Project Leadership & Execution:

• Lead and deliver complex projects for our client across the US, Canada and Latam, serving as the primary Project Director on strategic engagements
• Execute high-stakes, executive-level project delivery requiring senior-level expertise and client relationship management
• Provide hands-on project management expertise as a working practitioner, not just an oversight role

Strategic Talent & Solutions Partnership:

• Partner closely with our internal variable staffing team to assess project management talent capabilities and fit
• Collaborate on developing solutions for diverse project requirements, matching talent to opportunity
• Provide expert guidance on project scoping, resource planning, and delivery approaches across the portfolio

Team Development & Mentorship:

• Coach and mentor project managers through active engagement on live projects, modeling excellence in execution
• Provide real-time guidance, feedback, and professional development support to foster team growth
• Champion best practices and innovative methodologies through demonstration and collaboration

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Define project objectives, scope, and deliverables with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with client goals
• Lead cross-functional teams locally and globally to optimize project outcomes
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and high performance across all engagements

Strategic Project Oversight:

• Implement project management strategies that enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality standards
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and exceed client expectations
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery methodologies and team capabilities

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive project management experience with demonstrated success delivering complex commercial real estate projects
• Proven track record as both a hands-on project leader and effective coach/mentor - you can do the work at the highest level while developing others
• Strong experience managing projects outside primary office locations, demonstrating regional/multi-market capability
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills across all organizational levels
• Expert knowledge of project management methodologies with ability to adapt approaches to diverse project needs
• Strong financial acumen including budget management, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Demonstrated ability to assess talent capabilities and match resources to project requirements
• Outstanding problem-solving skills with focus on innovative, client-centered solutions
• Proven client relationship management with ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree (MBA, project management, or related field)
• Professional certifications (PMP, LEED, Six Sigma)
• Experience working in matrix organizations with variable staffing models
• Track record collaborating with multicultural, geographically dispersed teams
• Proficiency with industry-leading project management software and emerging technologies
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to client sites and regional markets

What sets this role apart:

This isn't a traditional oversight position. We need a leader who thrives in the work itself-someone equally comfortable directing a complex client project, coaching a project manager through a challenge, and partnering with our staffing team to build the right solution for tomorrow's opportunity. You'll be the bridge between execution excellence and organizational capability building.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Location:

On-site -Austin, TX, Charlotte, NC, Phoenix, AZ

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

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay